AdvertisementArmy Plans For Next Gen Helicopters04:25Download AudioEmbed on your websiteClose×Copy the code below to embed the WBUR audio player on your site<iframe width="100%" height="124" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://player.wbur.org/hereandnow/2021/03/10/army-new-helicopters"></iframe>Copy embed codeResumeMarch 10, 2021Ari Daniel, IEEE SpectrumfacebookEmailThe 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)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.