Granger congratulates Army on aviation contract award to Texas team

U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) on March 27 highlighted action by the U.S. Army to award a contract in her home state for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft under the Future Vertical Lift program.

“I was excited to see the Army continue moving forward with all parts of the Future Vertical Lift program on schedule,” said Rep. Granger, ranking member on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. “The Army’s decision to select Fort Worth’s very own Bell and Sikorsky-Boeing for continued development of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft solidifies their commitment to modernizing Army aviation.”

According to the Congressional Research Service, the Future Vertical Lift program is a research and development effort dedicated to discovering, investigating and refining the technologies that will provide the next generation of combat helicopters for the U.S. Armed Forces. 

The program’s goal is to develop technologies that improve “maneuverability, range, speed, payload, survivability, reliability, and reduced logistical footprint” compared with current rotorcraft, according to the Army, which is the lead service providing the most funding for the program from its R&D budget. Aircraft developed by the program are expected to be operational in the early 2030s, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Bell and Sikorsky (with Boeing) have produced demonstrators for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), according to the Army, which on March 17 announced that the team won a $97 million award to refine their high-speed helicopter over the next two years as part of FLRAA improvement plans.

Rep. Granger said that the overall Future Vertical Lift program “can rely on over 135,000 hardworking, patriotic north Texans making up our region’s strong defense aviation industry,” and added that she’s especially proud that north Texas defense aviation workers continue to support national defense efforts. 

“I have worked hard to ensure the Future Vertical Lift program is moving quickly to answer our soldiers’ needs,” said Rep. Granger about her efforts on the House Appropriations Committee. “The Army’s Future Vertical Lift program is a great opportunity to work with defense industry partners like Bell and Sikorsky-Boeing.”