Aviation - Adv Dev

Abstract

This funding line directly aligns to the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Army modernization priority. Future Vertical Lift (FVL) is an initiative to develop a family of vertical lift aircraft for the United States Armed Forces. The Department of Defense (DOD) established FVL to focus vertical lift capabilities and technology development as well as retain long-term industrial base capabilities. The Deputy Secretary of Defense issued the FVL Strategic Plan in 2012 to outline a joint approach for the next generation vertical lift aircraft for all military services. The Strategic Plan provided a foundation for replacing the current fleet with advanced capability by shaping the development of vertical lift aircraft for the next 25 to 40 years. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, the Army identified FVL as one of the Army's six modernization priorities, and established the FVL Cross Functional Team (CFT). The FVL objectives are increased vertical lift maneuverability, range, speed, payload, survivability, and reliability while reducing the logistics footprint. This capability will provide critical vertical lift aviation capability in multi-domain operations to the joint warfighter and maneuver force. The Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program pursues FVL Capability Set 3 (CS3) and provides Combatant Commanders with deterrence, power projection, and tactical capabilities at operational and strategic distances. The Army competitively awarded the weapon system development contract in December 2022, using a hybrid acquisition approach. The contract award initiates the Rapid Prototyping effort to execute a preliminary design and development of FLRAA Virtual Prototypes, using Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) authorities. The total estimated cost of the FLRAA Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is $600 million RDT&E from FY21 to FY25. The remainder of the FLRAA program is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. The Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) Capability Set 1 (CS1) was intended to restore reconnaissance dominance by mitigating enemy long-range capabilities by creating lethal effects from outside enemy sensor/weapons range and allowing joint force commanders to maneuver from relative sanctuary. The Army has discontinued the FARA effort beyond FY 2024. Both FLRAA and FARA variants integrate advanced technologies, using a modular open systems approach, and design configurations with appropriate trades to ensure affordability. This resourcing funds both FLRAA and FARA.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
0603801A_4_2040_PB_2025
Change Summary Explanation
FY25 funding in the amount of $525.487 million was realigned within Army's Aviation Portfolio. The remainder of the decrease in FY25 funding from the previous PB to the current PB was realigned to PE 0605241A/Future Long Range Assault Aircraft Development, Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, for execution of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of the program.
Service Agency Name
Army

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Army

Tags

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

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