U.S. Army selects Robinson R66 for new helicopter pilot training program

Published Aug 14, 09:03 PM UTC

The U.S. Army has selected the Robinson R66 Turbine as the primary trainer for its new Flight School Next program, awarding a potentially $10-billion contract to M1 Support Services. The contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) model will provide aircraft, maintenance, simulators, and instruction at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The program aims to train 800 to 1,500 helicopter pilots annually, replacing the current fleet of Airbus UH-72A Lakota twin-engine helicopters. The R66, a single-turbine light helicopter, was chosen for its simplicity, low operating costs, and suitability for teaching fundamental flying skills. The decision follows the Army's desire to reduce accidents by moving away from highly automated trainers. The contract has a potential 26-year duration, with the first task order covering three to four years for transition. The R66 defeated Bell's Model 505 in the competition.