For the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototype competition, Boeing is offering what it refers to as an agile and fully integrated purpose-built system.

Features of the helicopter include a thrust-compounded main rotor with six blades, a single engine, tandem seating and a modular ‘state of the art’ cockpit with a reconfigurable large-area display and autonomous capabilities.

Mark Cherry, general manager of Boeing’s Phantom Works, said: “We are offering more than a helicopter — a fully integrated system that blends innovation, ingenuity and proven rotorcraft experience with extensive testing and advanced analysis to offer a compelling solution.”

The fly-by-wire design ‘leverages’ more than 65 years of rotorcraft experience, proven advanced-manufacturing and additive-manufacturing technology, plus product commonality, to drive down risk and costs.

Shane Openshaw, Boeing’s FARA programme manager, said: “We listened to the Army, assessed all alternatives, and optimised our design to provide the right aircraft to meet the requirements. We are offering a very reliable, sustainable and flexible aircraft with a focus on safety and the future fight.”

FARA will fill a ‘critical gap’ in Army aviation for an advanced light attack and reconnaissance capability, previously held by the now-retired Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.

More information about Boeing FARA and its features can be found at the Web site (www.boeing.com/FARA).