An AVX Aircraft attack aircraft concept. (AVX AIRCRAFT)
L3 Technologies and AVX Aircraft Company have teamed to offer a proposal for the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) requirement.
The announcement follows the US Army’s October announcement of a formal solicitation to industry that will lead to the Army funding for two companies to design, build, and test two aircraft under the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft Competitive Prototyping (FARA CP) program. The two companies will conduct a flyoff in 2023,with the results of FARA CP to inform a decision to commence a formal program of record from 2024.
The AVX/L3 solution will combine AVX Aircraft’s experience in designing coaxial rotor platforms and propulsion systems with L3’s systems engineering; weapons, sensor and communications systems integration; and full-rate production capabilities.
“L3’s deep experience in providing cutting-edge capabilities to the US Army and Special Operations communities fits very well with AVX Aircraft’s expertise in clean-sheet helicopter design,” AVX Aircraft Chairman and CEO, Troy Gaffey said in a statement. “We look forward to showing the Army that we are the non-traditional solution they are looking for to propel them into the future.
Chairman, CEO and President of L3 Technologies Christopher E. Kubasik added, “The L3/AVX FARA proposal demonstrates our commitment to provide innovative solutions for the Army’s modernisation priorities. Our significant engineering, manufacturing, integration and test capabilities enable us to deliver a cost-efficient and highly capable FARA platform.
“AVX operates with the same agile and innovative culture as L3, which allows us to successfully collaborate in advancing this revolutionary design into the effective next-generation aircraft the Army seeks.”
Other potential bidders for the FARA CP requirement include Sikorsky’s S-97 Raider, a development of the Airbus X3 compound helicopter, and a military derivative of the Leonardo AW609 tiltrotor.
AVX Aircraft concept art of an attack aircraft in various configurations. (AVX AIRCRAFT)