A UH-72 Lakota at Cairns Army Airfield, Fort Novosel, Ala., April 5, 2024. U.S. Army / Warrant Officer Stephan Zeller
Three firms move ahead in Army’s future-of-flight-training helicopter training takeover
Despite Congressional concerns, the Army is sprinting to Phase III of its “Flight School Next” initiative.
The Army has cleared three companies to bid on the service’s plan to outsource initial helicopter pilot training, despite some lawmakers’ reservations about the idea.
Bell, Lockheed Martin, and M1 Support Services have all publicly confirmed this week that they are moving to the third phase of the competition for Flight School Next: a contract to take over the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The three companies must submit a Commercial Solutions Proposal for their offering, according to a Dec. 9 call for solutions outlining the process on SAM.gov.
“This next phase is a critical point in the competition and Bell along with our teammates are ready to demonstrate what we believe is the most cost-effective and low-risk solution for the Army's next-generation flight training program,” said John Novalis, Bell’s strategic director of flight school next, in a press release.
Service officials and contractors believe the new model, which is intended to produce 800 to 1,500 Army aviators annually for 26 years, will lower costs by taking the aircraft, maintenance, and training out of the service’s hands. Congress isn’t convinced. In December, lawmakers said they wouldn’t make funds available for the initiative until they receive a report detailing the results of a trial program and a briefing from Army Secretary Dan Driscoll on the benefits of the new model.
Lawmakers want details on the cost-effectiveness and “the rationale for any proposed changes to training systems or platforms,” according to a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act passed into law on Dec. 20. It’s unclear if the Congressional inquiry into the program will delay the contract’s anticipated September award date.
Representatives for Bell, Lockheed, and M1 all deferred to the Army when asked about the competition’s progress amid those Congressional concerns.
As part of Flight School Next, the Army wants a new initial-training helicopter to replace the twin-engine UH-72 Lakota, which has been criticized by Army leaders as being too expensive and restrictive for training. Its manufacturer, Airbus, has pushed back on those claims.
Lockheed Martin announced Wednesday that its pitch would include Robinson Helicopter Company’s R66 NxG helicopter.
“Our selection of Robinson brings a safe, proven and innovative platform to the table. We are fully committed to getting this right for the Army—investing the time, expertise and technology needed to accelerate IERW training and ensure aviators are prepared for their next mission,” said Todd Morar, Lockheed’s vice president of Air and Commercial Solutions, in a press release.
M1 is also working with Robinson, along with General Dynamics Information Technology, Quantum Helicopters, and the University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation.
“We are ready now to conduct an exceptionally low risk transition while introducing a wide range of impactful innovations to transform Army flight training and deliver more proficient aviators at significantly reduced cost,” James Cassella, M1’s chief growth officer, said in a news release.