Posted on 02/08/2024 8:13:19 PM PST by grcuster
WASHINGTON — The US Army is cancelling its next generation Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, service officials announced today, taking a potential multi-billion-dollar contract off the table and throwing the service’s long-term aviation plans into doubt.
In addition, the Army plans to end production on the UH-60 V Black Hawk in fiscal 2025, due to “significant cost growth,” keep General Electric’s Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) in the development phase instead of moving it into production, and phase the Shadow and Raven unmanned aerial systems out of the fleet, the service added.
All told, it reflects a massive shift in the Army’s aviation strategy and upends years of planning. There is also an ironic sense of history repeating: the decision to end FARA comes two decades to the month after the Army ended its plans to procure the RAH-66 Comanche and nearly 16 years after it terminated work on the ARH-70A Arapaho, both aircraft designed to replace the Kiowa — the same helicopter FARA was supposed to, finally, replace.
The reason for ending FARA, Army leaders told a small group of reporters ahead of the announcement, is a reflection of what war looks like in the modern era.
(Excerpt) Read more at breakingdefense.com ...
“Army Cancels FARA Helicopter Program, Makes Other Cuts in Major Aviation Shakeup”
Take that Putin, we don’t need no Helicopters no more!!!!
But $95 billion for Ukraine and Israel…
I wonder if more programs/funding cut to redirect funds to Ukraine if the Administration and Rinos don’t get their way. Its not legal, but this occupier doesn’t care about their constitutional restrictions.
Everything for other nations but nothing for our own country.
I hope gibbeting makes a comeback for our elites.
Concur, there are still a lot of tall oak trees.
That was my first thought too.
They will increase funds for combat fursuits and puppy masks, while continuing to cut combat capabilities.
Is this more of Obama weakening the U.S. behind the scenes?
I don’t trust these people at all.
Can’t afford new equipment when you leave billions of dollars worth of military equipment in foreign countries either.
Well the next theater of operations for the Army does’t require helicopters. You can get to the border with all your gear in a Ford F-150.
The reason for ending FARA......is a reflection of what war looks like in the modern era.
What we are seeing in Ukraine and the Middle East is a dramatic change in warfare. Inexpensive and disposable drones, moderately expensive handheld smart missiles, long range artillery & missiles are not to be fought with multi million dollar helicopters or jets. A country can’t afford to use half-million dollar missiles to stop a thousand $5,000 to $15,000 drone. Nor can it risk multi-thousands of million dollar helicopters or jets when they can be easily shot down by a hundred thousand dollar smart missile.
The face of war has changed. It will require a much different “took kit” for the military. Yes, there will still be a need for large tanks, advanced jet aircraft, etc. The amount of them will just be less needed.
PS: Have never been a fan of the Osprey, but the V-280 looks like a far better design with very impressive performance.
Very Good point. We have spent many billions on Ukraine.
...canceled UH-60V program continuing orders for UH-60M
Well if we had weapons and ammo, we couldn’t be taken over.
Helicopter attacks by Russia was a big part of stopping the Counter-Offensive.
There’s no feeling on this Earth like riding a chopper into a hot LZ.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.