Future of Army Aviation could Reshape Resupply

Army Aviators met Tuesday, 6 May 2014 to talk about plans for a “Future Vertical Lift Aircraft” that is currently in the very early stages of development.  As the 1960’s Black Hawk, Apache, and Chinook technologies are starting to become dated, the Army is looking for a new airframe that will reshape the future of Army Aviation. 

Abe Karem: president of Karem Aircraft next to a potential
design of the "Future Vertical Lift Aircraft"

The Army is currently working with four vendors (Bell Helicopter, Boeing-Sikorsky, AVX Aircraft and Karem Aircraft, the Army) in the “initial design and risk review” process.  Some of new features would include increased “speed, lift, lethality, range, survivability, and low sustainment costs“.  There are also talks of a heavier version to replace the Chinook helicopter.

Like any helicopter, the “future vertical lift aircraft” would have the potential to take off and land without the need for an established airfield with the added advantage of increased speed and carrying capacity similar to that of an airplane.  Any open area with a flat enough surface would be ideal.  While the final design specifications are not yet complete, this aircraft could potentially reshape the way the Army thinks about resupplying out in the field.   Air drops are a fairly complex mission, with the possibility of supplies being lost or damaged due to missing the drop zone or failed parachutes.  An aircraft like the “future vertical lift aircraft” would significantly reduce the number of air drops type missions needed for resupplying troops and the complexity that surrounds air drop resupply missions, as the aircraft would simply land or hover above the drop zone for perfect accuracy.  

Increased logistical capabilities means increased military power and effectiveness, and is ultimately an extension of national power.  LT GEN James Barclay, deputy chief of staff, believes the most realistic timeframe for integrating the new aircraft into actual aviation units would not happen until 2035.  While 20 years does seem like a long way away, Barclay believes that it is more important to design an airframe that meets the actual needs of the Army to make sure that logistical capabilities are increased along with a number of other specifications.