StoryRegulatory
FLRAA passes Milestone B; Army orders detailed design and six prototypes
The Army approved Milestone B, moving the programme into engineering and manufacturing development. This let it exercise the first contract option, covering detailed design and the build of six prototypes. The plan then was first flight in 2026, low-rate production in 2028 and fielding in 2030.
- Milestone B approved 2 August 2024.
- First option: detailed design plus six prototype aircraft.
- Plan at the time: first flight 2026, low-rate production 2028, fielding 2030.
- Army leaders cite roughly twice the range and speed of current helicopters.