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The State of Future Vertical Lift

migration — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:28:21 +0000

Future Vertical Lift represents one of the Army’s most ambitious modernization priorities, promising greater speed, range, and adaptability in the skies. But progress is measured not only in engineering milestones, but also in how lessons from Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific reshape requirements. The conversation now is whether the program is aligned with evolving threats and on track to deliver platforms that can dominate in contested environments. In this panel event, Defense News examined the status of Future Vertical Lift, its next steps, and explore how shifting global conflicts are shaping its trajectory.

Watch:

A look at how Bell’s next-gen aircraft and collaboration are redefining Army aviation for greater speed, range, and adaptability.

At AUSA, Army officials outline accelerated aviation modernization, UAS expansion, and FLRAA prototype delivery moving ahead of schedule.

Guest Speakers:

Col. Jeffrey Poquette, Project Manager, FLRAA, U.S. Army
Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, Army Aviation Center of Excellence Commander, U.S. Army
Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, Director, Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team, U.S. Army
Brig. Gen. David Phillips, Program Executive Officer, Aviation, U.S. Army
Ryan Ehinger, SVP, FLRAA, Bell

Discussion at AUSA: The State of Future Vertical Lift

migration — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:43:14 +0000

This event took place on October 16 at AUSA Annual 2024.

The Army’s Future Vertical Lift initiative is designed to ensure forces have the capabilities, support and flexibility needed in all theaters. Whether the task is troop transport or close air support, the FVL program will need to offer several different kinds of functionality to ensure troops in the field have the support they need. Where does the FVL program stand, and what are the next key components of the program to come online?

Watch Recordings:

Guest Speakers:

Maj. Gen. Michael “Mac” McCurry, Chief of Staff, Futures Command, U.S. Army
Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, FVL CFT, U.S. Army
Col. Jeffrey Poquette, Project Manager, FLRAA, U.S. Army
Dr. James C. Kirsch, Director, Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center, U.S. Army
Jeffrey Schloesser, Executive Vice President, Strategic Pursuits, Bell

AUSA 2023: The Future of Army Aviation

migration — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:32:57 +0000

This event happened on October 10, 2023

The U.S. Army recently made its largest helicopter contract award in 40 years to build the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft. Now, what does the timeline look like for Army aviation goals, including FLRAA and others, and what challenges are likely along the way?

Watch recording:

Bell’s Ryan Ehinger describes the next steps for the Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.

Army leaders describe their vision for aviation on the battlefield for the 2030s.

Guest Speakers:

James C. Kirsch, PH.D., Director, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center
Rodney Davis, Acting Program Executive Officer, Aviation
Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, Director, Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team, Army Futures Command
MG Michael C. McCurry, Commanding General, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence
Ryan Ehinger, Senior Vice President and FLRAA Program Director, V‑280 Valor, Bell Textron Inc.