The Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant X is one of two contenders for the US Army's FLRAA element to the wider FVL programme, alongside the Bell V-280 Valor. The US and UK had agreed that an FVL Co-operative Program Feasibility Assessment will see both countries work to ensure the future interoperability of their rotorcraft requirements and programmes, at the same time as exploring and analysing new concepts for the employment of such air power. (Janes/Pat Host)
The United States and United Kingdom have signed an agreement to share information on the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) programme.
Signed on 14 February, the FVL Co-operative Program Feasibility Assessment agreement will see both countries work to ensure the future interoperability of their rotorcraft requirements and programmes, at the same time as exploring and analysing new concepts for the employment of such air power.
Specifically, the two countries will assess collaboration opportunities on the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA), the US Army's top two aviation modernisation priorities, as well as future unmanned aircraft systems, air launched effects, and open systems architecture, among other US Department of Defense (DoD) programmes.
Major General Walter ‘Wally' Rugen, US Army Future Command's FVL Cross-Functional Team director, and Major General James Bowder, director of Futures, signed on behalf of the US Army and British Army, respectively.
“Through this joint analysis, the US and UK will be able to assess the benefits, risks, and overall feasibility of rotorcraft co-operation between the two allies,” the US Army said, adding that this arrangement is in addition to an existing partnership the UK has with the US Army and US Navy that seeks to reduce the divergence between the two countries' open system architectures.
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