HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — April 13, 2026 : Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX, has been awarded multiple contracts by Bell Textron Inc. to supply five critical systems for the U.S. Army’s MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), marking a key step in the service’s next-generation aviation modernization effort.
The contracts form part of the Army’s broader Future Vertical Lift initiative, which aims to field advanced rotorcraft capable of significantly improved speed, range, and operational flexibility. Several of the awarded systems will be delivered using commercial acquisition authorities, a procurement approach intended to accelerate development timelines and integrate mature commercial technologies into military platforms.
Under the agreement, Collins Aerospace will manufacture and deliver five major systems: main power generation, an interconnect drive system, the SmartProbe® air data system, cockpit seating, and an ice protection system. Development and production activities will be distributed across multiple U.S. facilities located in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The MV-75 FLRAA is derived from Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor demonstrator and represents the Army’s first clean-sheet rotorcraft design in decades. It is intended to replace and supplement the long-serving UH-60 Black Hawk fleet, which has been in operation since the late 1970s.
The aircraft is engineered to deliver approximately twice the speed and range of current medium-lift helicopters. It is designed with a cruising speed of around 280 knots (approximately 320 mph) and a maximum speed of 300 knots. The platform offers a ferry range of up to 2,100 nautical miles and an operational combat range estimated between 500 and 800 nautical miles.
In terms of payload and configuration, the MV-75 is designed to operate with a crew of four and carry up to 14 troops. It also includes dual external cargo hooks with a combined lift capacity of 10,000 pounds, enabling the transport of heavy equipment such as the M777A2 Howitzer.
The program incorporates digital engineering practices and a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), allowing for improved lifecycle management, system interoperability, and future upgrades. The aircraft is intended for multi-role missions, including long-range air assault, medical evacuation, utility transport, and humanitarian assistance operations.
Troy Brunk, President of Collins Aerospace, stated that the company’s manufacturing and service capabilities are positioned to support accelerated delivery and long-term sustainment of the platform. Ryan Ehinger, Senior Vice President and Program Director at Bell, noted that the collaboration strengthens Team FLRAA’s ability to deliver a reliable and high-performing aircraft for future operational requirements.
The FLRAA program is progressing toward its next development phase, with initial limited user testing planned between 2027 and 2028. First operational fielding of the MV-75 is currently projected for 2031.
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