Bell Textron has delivered the first of two MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) virtual prototypes (VP) to the US Army.
The Texas-based company was contracted to develop and construct the FLRAA weapon system. It is set to provide two of these virtual prototypes.
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The delivery of the second prototype to the Army is anticipated later in June 2025, and will take place at Fort Rucker’s Aviation Center of Excellence.
US Army aviation programme executive officer brigadier general David Phillips said: “The delivery of the MV-75 virtual prototype highlights the transformational power of digital engineering in aircraft development.
“Thanks to consistent support from Army leadership, the Department of Defense, and Congress, we’ve been able to accelerate the FLRAA programme and bring next-generation aviation capabilities to the warfighter faster than ever.”
The MV-75 FLRAA represents the US Army’s latest advancement in long-range assault and multi-mission aircraft, featuring capabilities to travel at double the speed and range of the existing fleet.
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By GlobalDataThe virtual prototypes are instrumental for the Army to assess various facets of the FLRAA system, including crew interfaces, performance metrics, safety features, and more.
This evaluation using virtual prototypes is set to occur both prior to and following the availability of physical prototype aircraft for testing purposes, said the Army.
The FLRAA VP simulator is modelled after a digital twin of the actual FLRAA weapon system. It functions as a learning device that will guide early-stage design enhancements, software creation, verification processes, integration efforts, and testing.
Additionally, the tool will facilitate the early discovery of tactics, techniques, and procedures via experimental activities coupled with Special User Evaluations.
During these evaluations, soldiers will provide input on different components of the system.
The feedback from soldiers will be key in refining the aircraft’s design. These VPs possess the capability to be upgraded into flight training devices, thereby expanding training possibilities.
The development of these VPs was initiated using a novel approach to acquisition that began with the middle tier of acquisition pathway focused on rapid prototyping.
Following a successful Milestone B decision in June 2024, the FLRAA programme progressed into the engineering and manufacturing development phase, which is a critical stage in acquiring major capabilities.
FLRAA project manager colonel Jeffrey Poquette said: “We are incredibly proud to have reached this critical milestone. Our virtual prototype demonstrates a clear path to delivering a next-generation multi-mission aircraft that will fundamentally change how the Army conducts long-range assault operations.”
