JMR (Joint Multi-Role) & FVL (Future Vertical Lift) Programs

While I do think the USN will avail itself of the MOSA backbone and some of the other software and hardware elements of the Army FLRAA program, I do not think that they will go with the Bell FLRAA aircraft as is. It does not fit the current line ships if I read correctly. I also think that the USN has more hover requirement than the U.S. Army. Could be wrong though.
 
https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/textron-hints-at-unmanned-capability-for-flraa-tiltrotor/162739.article?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS&s=03

unmanned - the new "must have", "paradigm shifting", "game changing", requirement is now part of FLRAA. And it is a "Pathfinder," that is “trailblazing” as well.

breakingdefense.com

A ‘Pathfinder’ for the Army: FLRAA will be a first for MOSA in helicopter design - Breaking Defense

MOSA and the digital backbone give the Army a vendor-agnostic path to make aircraft system modifications from the outset of Future Vertical Lift.
breakingdefense.com breakingdefense.com
 
Last edited:
yasotay said:
https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/textron-hints-at-unmanned-capability-for-flraa-tiltrotor/162739.article?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS&s=03

unmanned - the new "must have", "paradigm shifting", "game changing", requirement is now part of FLRAA. And it is a "Pathfinder," that is “trailblazing” as well.

breakingdefense.com

A ‘Pathfinder’ for the Army: FLRAA will be a first for MOSA in helicopter design - Breaking Defense

MOSA and the digital backbone give the Army a vendor-agnostic path to make aircraft system modifications from the outset of Future Vertical Lift.
breakingdefense.com breakingdefense.com
Click to expand...
I'm not seeing much use for an unmanned version of the V280, unless we're using the wide airframe for weapons bays.

I'm expecting a lot more unmanned stuff for the Apache-replacement part of FVL.
 
Scott - The way I see it the unmanned capability is not a distinct platform, but an ability to use the aircraft without aircrew if need arises.

I think the Apache replacement, if even necessary, is nothing more than a truck for launching medium and long-range munitions at greater distances from the front lines. People are grumbling at the loss of MQ-9 that cost as much as a UH-60.
 
Last edited:
yasotay said:
Scott - The way I see it the unmanned capability is not a distinct platform, but an ability to use the aircraft without aircrew if need arises.
Click to expand...
Okay, I can see that. Not sure where that'd be a good idea, but I'm sure the capability is there.



yasotay said:
I think the Apache replacement, if even necessary, is nothing more than a truck for launching medium and long-range munitions at greater distances from the front lines. People are grumbling at the loss of MQ-9 that cost as much as a UH-60.
Click to expand...
I think it'll have a gun, too. The only gun in the entire CCA-CAS package.
 
Scott Kenny said:
I think it'll have a gun, too. The only gun in the entire CCA-CAS package.
Click to expand...
Gun, ammo, electric cables and weapon cyber systems weigh a lot. As you point out if the FLRAA becomes the replacement for Apache, that will be a significant trade. Also, the drag from the gun and mount at 230 knots will be significant, likely reducing the range of the aircraft. I am sure someone is considering this, but I expect they dare not threaten the sanctity of the Apache just yet. They might be banned from the officer's club.
 
yasotay said:
Gun, ammo, electric cables and weapon cyber systems weigh a lot. As you point out if the FLRAA becomes the replacement for Apache, that will be a significant trade. Also, the drag from the gun and mount at 230 knots will be significant, likely reducing the range of the aircraft. I am sure someone is considering this, but I expect they dare not threaten the sanctity of the Apache just yet. They might be banned from the officer's club.
Click to expand...
I'm expecting a streamlined/hidden mount like on the Comanche, or possibly a simple fixed mount like on a jet.

And this is "whatever will replace the Apache", even if the Apache-F model gets T901s and 6000hp installed power...
 

Similar threads

Back
Top Bottom