Boeing, Leonardo Partner for US Army Flight School Next Contract

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Leonardo are collaborating to pursue the U.S. Army's Flight School Next contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) service contract.

The partnership combines Boeing's operational experience with Army rotary-wing training, and program delivery with Leonardo's AW119T training helicopter to offer an efficient, scalable training solution for the next generation of aviators.

Boeing's Army training experience includes training services and mission systems support for the AH-64 Apache worldwide, including live, virtual and constructive simulation, cockpit-procedure trainers and instructor development programs to generate and sustain Apache aircrew readiness. Boeing's services, combined with systems integration, simulation and program management capabilities, positions the team to deliver a full COCO.

"We are bringing together two industry leaders to offer the Army a turnkey, innovative approach to rotary-wing training with an integrated, long-term training solution that increases aviator proficiency, operational and sustainment efficiencies and will deliver measurable value throughout the life of the program," said John Chicoli, senior director, U.S. Army/Marines & Special Operations/Missions, Boeing Global Services.

The AW119T is a commercially supported single-engine trainer. The AW119T program has surpassed 100,000 flight hours, including more than 16,000 hours flown under instrument flight rules and more than 40,000 touchdown autorotations. Leonardo sustains 130 AW119T aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy near Fort Rucker, Alabama, enabling immediate logistics synergies and rapid responsiveness.

"The AW119T is a proven platform that already supports U.S. military training every day. With more than 100,000 flight hours accumulated and a sustainment network in place in Florida, Leonardo and Boeing are uniquely positioned to deliver immediate capability and long-term value to the Army through Flight School Next," said Clyde Woltman, CEO, Leonardo Helicopters U.S.

Boeing and Leonardo plan to provide a multi-faceted service offering to increase flight training hours, skill proficiency and deliver a flexible, scalable training model over the life of the contract.

Key elements will include:

• Mature, low-risk aircraft: The AW119T system is field proven across U.S. services and allied operators, with crashworthy seating, fuel systems and the ability to perform full touchdown autorotations and in-flight emergency training.
• Full training system: A turnkey offering that includes airframes, parts, maintenance, instructors, simulators and validated curriculum.
• Enhanced instruction: A proficiency-based, phase-driven program that blends in-aircraft instruction, advanced simulators, virtual instructor pilot capability and cloud-based progress tracking to individualize learning and maximize flight hours.
• Operational efficiencies: Automated logistics, optimized maintenance scheduling and adaptive training calendars to mitigate weather and daylight impacts and improve aircraft use.
• Sustainment and production capacity: An established support network, including a fully operational AW119T sustainment facility and production capacity to meet program demand.