Boeing Defense, Space, and Security recently revealed the single-engine, single-rotor helicopter it is proposing to the U.S. Army as part of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototype competition, initiated in 2018. The goal of the contest, part of the Army’s broader Future Vertical Lift program, is to develop a successor to the Bell OH-58 Kiowa scout helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support.
“We’re offering more than a helicopter,” stated Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s Phantom Works. “We’re offering an affordable and fully integrated system for the Army, the mission and the future. We’ve blended innovation, ingenuity and proven rotorcraft experience with extensive testing and advanced analysis to offer a very compelling solution.”
Boeing emphasized that its FARA design meets the Army’s current mission needs “while evolving as technologies and missions change.”
The FARA competition awarded design in April 2019 to AVX Aircraft, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Karem Aircraft, and Sikorsky Aircraft. Two manufacturers will be selected to proceed with their designs this year, and the prototypes will be delivered in 2023.
