U.S. Army MV‑75 Program Reaches Production Readiness Phase in Fiscal Year 2026
The Bell MV-75 tiltrotor aircraft has been selected as the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft under the FLRAA program, intended to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk as the service’s primary utility platform. Designed to deliver superior range, speed, and operational flexibility, the MV-75 is positioned as a long-term solution for multi-domain operations, combining advanced technology with expanded mission capability. The aircraft is scheduled to transition from prototyping to production in Fiscal Year 2026, following the completion of critical design reviews that have enabled expanded prototype testing and manufacturing planning. Service entry is targeted for 2028, marking a significant modernization milestone in Army aviation.
 |
| Photo Credit: BELL |
The MV-75 is a vertical takeoff and landing tiltrotor platform powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 1107F turboshaft engines. It achieves a cruise speed of approximately 320 miles per hour, nearly double that of the Black Hawk, and offers a combat radius between 500 and 800 nautical miles. Its ferry range extends to roughly 2,400 miles, providing unprecedented reach for assault and support missions. The aircraft can carry up to 14 troops plus two crew members or transport 10,000 pounds of cargo.
The design incorporates a V-tail configuration and fixed engines, differing from the tilt nacelle arrangement of the V-22 Osprey. This approach allows for side-door access and clear firing lines, enhancing both troop deployment and defensive operations. The MV-75 integrates fly-by-wire controls, synthetic vision systems, helmet-mounted displays, and a modular digital backbone to support adaptability across mission sets.
Operational roles envisioned for the MV-75 include air assault, medical evacuation, logistics support, special operations, and humanitarian assistance. The aircraft’s medical evacuation configuration is being tailored to provide faster and more flexible casualty transport, improving survivability in contested environments.
Key capabilities emphasize speed and range, offering tactical advantages in dispersed and austere theaters. Enhanced maneuverability allows the aircraft to operate in challenging terrain, while payload capacity exceeds that of the Black Hawk, supported by dual cargo hooks for external lift missions.
The MV-75 program is regarded as a foundational element of future Army aviation, ensuring that air assault, logistics, and medical evacuation missions can be conducted with greater efficiency and reach. By combining advanced propulsion, digital systems, and mission versatility, the aircraft represents a decisive step in modernizing rotary-wing aviation for the next generation of combat and support operations.