The U.S. Army is preparing for the development of the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, designated the MV-75. According to Brig. Gen. David Phillips, the program executive officer for Army aviation, the prototype aircraft is set to be delivered in fiscal year 2027. This announcement comes after a thorough assessment of supply chain risks associated with the project.

Senior Army leaders are pushing for a more expedited fielding of the MV-75. The production timeline indicated earlier this year, aiming for fiscal year 2028, remains unchanged, as confirmed by Army aviation leadership during a recent interview.

Textron’s Bell has secured the contract to manufacture the MV-75, having beaten competitors like Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky and Boeing in late 2022. Brig. Gen. Phillips noted the critical importance of an energized supply chain to meet accelerated production goals, pointing out that the Army has engaged with various suppliers to facilitate faster delivery of essential components.

Despite readiness to accelerate the supply chain, Phillips identified it as the “highest risk” factor in hastening the program. However, he and Army aviation officials believe significant risks have been mitigated due to digital design and comprehensive engineering efforts, which included more than 200 flight hours of the V-280 Valor tiltrotor technology demonstration.

The Army aims to finish the critical design review phase in 2026, subsequently ramping up hardware production. Bell has already initiated production on numerous aircraft parts, and the company will manufacture the aircraft’s fuselage at its Wichita, Kansas facilities.

In support of training efforts, the U.S. Marine Corps recently delivered an MV-22 tiltrotor to Fort Rucker, Alabama, where Army pilots are training alongside Marines using simulators and live aircraft.

Although the acceleration of the program is underway, the Army is not compromising on any previously established requirements for the MV-75. Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, overseeing the future vertical lift initiatives, reaffirmed that all specifications related to repair rights, modular open system architecture, speed, range, and sustainability remain intact.

Brig. Gen. Phillips also emphasized that safety remains a top priority, ensuring that no compromises are being made in this vital area.