WASHINGTON DC—On April 19, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, pressed Army leaders including Secretary of the Army Wormuth and General McConville, about the future of Black Hawk production following Sikorsky’s announcement that it will not appeal the GAO’s decision to uphold the Army’s contract for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft with Textron Bell.
“Black Hawk is a great helicopter and will continue to be an important part of the Army fleet. I would expect that we will continue to have thousands of Black Hawks in our fleet, [and] we will need to sustain them. The terrific industrial base in Connecticut that is so critical to the Black Hawk program is going to very much still be needed,” said Secretary Wormuth in response to Courtney’s questioning.
“The Blackhawk is a great helicopter,” General McConville added. “…it will continue to be the mainstay of medium lift helicopters, I see for the next 40 to 60 years.”
Courtney also received confirmation from the Army’s acquisition, logistics, and technology leader that Black Hawks continue to be an important part of the Army’s acquisition plan.
“…we nailed down our multiyear contract for Black Hawk production that’s been in place since last year and continues through 2026 that will ensure stability in the [Black Hawk] production line for the near term. For the far term, we are thinking through options about what kind of work can be done to maintain the industrial base, the supply part base, and all the things you need for a healthy fleet that is going to be in the Army for decades,” said Mr. Douglas Bush, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisitions, Logistics, and Technology.
“There are many questions about the Army’s decision not to select Sikorsky for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft contract, which the Armed Services Committee will be vigorously pursuing. For example, the Army’s absence of any analysis of hangar infrastructure that will be required for a fixed wing plane with an 82-foot wingspan. Given the 7-year hiatus between now and the first delivery of the Bell aircraft, it is reassuring to hear the Secretary, General McConville, and leaders across the Department reaffirm that Black Hawks are still a vital part of the Army’s helicopter fleet and the Department’s mission for decades to come. Importantly, as the Secretary noted, the industrial base in Connecticut will continue to play a key role in helping the Army fulfill that mission to upgrade, modernize, and sustain this platform over the next several decades,” Rep. Courtney said.
To read Rep. Courtney’s statement on the award of future long range assault aircraft contract by the U.S. Army, click here.
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Defense & National Security
Original source can be found here.
