London, January 2 - Rolls-Royce has commenced critical engine testing for the AE 1107F turboshaft, the powerplant selected to propel prototypes of the U.S. Army's MV-75 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). This milestone advances the FLRAA program, a cornerstone of Army aviation modernization aimed at replacing portions of the aging UH-60 Black Hawk fleet with a next-generation tiltrotor capable of twice the speed and range. Announced in mid-December 2025, the testing underscores Rolls-Royce's commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance propulsion for the U.S. Army FLRAA prototypes, supporting enhanced survivability and operational reach in contested environments.
The AE 1107F engine, an evolution of the proven AE family that powers the V-22 Osprey and has accumulated over 90 million flight hours across multiple platforms, incorporates advanced features such as superior power density, cyber-compliant digital controls, and enhanced survivability technologies. Each MV-75 FLRAA aircraft will feature twin AE 1107F engines, building on a common-core design that minimizes risk while leveraging existing sustainment infrastructure. Testing is underway at Rolls-Royce's Indianapolis facility, the company's largest U.S. site, where more than $1 billion has been invested in upgrades to support key Department of Defense initiatives, including the FLRAA prototypes.
Candice Bineyard, Director of U.S. Business Development and Future Programs for Rolls-Royce Defense, emphasized the significance of this phase, stating that the company is collaborating closely with the U.S. Army and partners like Bell Textron to provide a low-risk, integrated propulsion system. The MV-75 FLRAA, derived from Bell's V-280 Valor, represents a transformational capability for air assault missions, offering greater lethality and standoff distances.
As the U.S. Army FLRAA program progresses toward prototype flights anticipated in 2026 and potential low-rate production in 2028, Rolls-Royce's engine tests mark a pivotal step in de-risking the platform. This development not only bolsters U.S. military readiness but also highlights the enduring reliability of Rolls-Royce aerospace engines in supporting future vertical lift requirements.
