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Army Plans For Next Gen Helicopters

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The U.S. Army is planning to give their helicopters a significant reboot. Its Future Vertical Lift initiative encouraged companies to prototype rotorcraft with better range and speed. They're now in the testing phase.

Ari Daniel reports for IEEE Spectrum.

Bell and Lockheed-Martin are working on the V-280 Valor helicopter. The aircraft has reached sustained flight speeds above 345 miles per hour. (Courtesy of Bell)
Bell and Lockheed-Martin are working on the V-280 Valor helicopter. The aircraft has reached sustained flight speeds above 345 miles per hour. (Courtesy of Bell)
With its rigid coaxial rotor system and pusher propeller, DEFIANT X will provide the U.S. Army with increased speed, maneuverability and survivability. (Courtesy of Sikorsky and Boeing) 
With its rigid coaxial rotor system and pusher propeller, DEFIANT X will provide the U.S. Army with increased speed, maneuverability and survivability. (Courtesy of Sikorsky and Boeing)

This segment aired on March 10, 2021.

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