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The US Army has made significant changes to its aviation strategy, canceling the Future Attack Reconnaissance Helicopter (FARA) Program, leading to the cancellation of potential contracts worth billions. The decision is influenced by the rise of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and space-based sensor systems.
In addition to FARA, the U.S. Army plans to cease production of the UH-60V Black Hawk Utility Helicopter in 2025 due to "significant cost increases." The General Electric Enhanced Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) will remain in development, and the production of Shadow and Raven unmanned aerial vehicles will be phased out.
This marks a significant shift in the US Army's aviation strategy, overturning years of planning. The decision to end FARA comes two decades after abandoning plans for the RAH-66 Comanche and nearly 16 years after discontinuing work on the ARH-70A Arapaho. All three, including FARA, were intended to replace the OH-58D Kiowa.
In a statement, the US Army explained that the decision to end FARA reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare, citing the prevalence of UAVs and space-based sensors. General Randy George emphasized the changing dynamics of aerial reconnaissance, citing lessons learned from conflicts, including Ukraine.
While the cancellation of FARA is influenced by battlefield experiences, the allocation of resources towards unmanned systems is also a crucial factor. Despite the ongoing need for capabilities similar to FARA, the US Army has announced no plans for new projects to replace the Kiowa. Instead, investments will be directed towards unmanned aircraft to fulfill the role of an armed reconnaissance vehicle.
The T901 FARA engine project will not be canceled but will experience a slowdown. The Improved T901 Turbine Engine, promising 50 percent more horsepower and 25 percent better fuel efficiency, will replace older engines in AH-64E Apache and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. However, delays in T901 engine deliveries have been experienced due to supply chain disruptions.
In summary, the cancellation of the FARA Program signals a transformative shift in US Army aviation strategy, redirecting focus and resources towards unmanned systems and altering the landscape of future helicopter production.
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