Army designates MV-75 as mission design series

The U.S. Army has formally named MV-75 as the mission design series for its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, a critical modernization initiative to deliver advanced vertical lift assault and utility capabilities for the Army and U.S. Special Operations Command.

The first prototype of the aircraft will be designated YMV-75A. According to standard military aircraft naming conventions, the “Y” prefix identifies it as a prototype, while “A” signifies the first variant in the series. The “MV” designation refers to a multi-mission vertical takeoff platform, and the number “75” honors the founding year of the U.S. Army, 1775. A traditional legacy name—similar to Black Hawk, Chinook, or Apache—is currently being considered for the aircraft.

FLRAA is being developed to operate alongside the Army’s existing UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, providing combat aviation brigades and special operations aviation units with a survivable, long-range, and high-speed aircraft capable of performing in contested environments. Referred to as “twice as far, twice as fast,” the platform is designed to significantly extend operational reach and improve tactical flexibility across greater distances.

A central element of the program is the use of a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) throughout FLRAA’s design, procurement, and sustainment phases. This strategy supports rapid integration of mission-critical upgrades in response to emerging threats, while also enhancing affordability and ensuring greater interoperability and standardization across platforms throughout the aircraft’s service life.

Launched in 2019, the FLRAA program is a key component of the Army’s broader Future Vertical Lift modernization initiative, aimed at replacing part of the existing assault and utility helicopter fleet. It marks a significant milestone in fielding a next-generation vertical lift capability designed to meet the demands of future multi-domain operations.

The Army is also advancing acquisition reform measures, authorized by Congress, to streamline procurement processes and improve efficiency. As an integral element of the Army’s aviation modernization plan, FLRAA is poised to maintain dominance in the lower tier of the air domain—often referred to as the “air-ground littoral”—delivering advanced capabilities that will empower commanders and Soldiers to succeed in increasingly complex operational environments.