Integris and QinetiQ to improve the protection of the US Army’s future assault helicopter
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On February 25, 2025, Integris Composites and QinetiQ US entered a partnership to contribute to the survivability of the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). Integris, a Tier 1 supplier specializing in military armor protection, has contracted QinetiQ to provide systems engineering and integration expertise for the material technology to be used on the aircraft’s floor and wing. This follows Integris’ selection by Bell Textron to supply armor for the FLRAA program, which aims to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk with an aircraft offering increased range, speed, and survivability.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Integris partners with QinetiQ for systems engineering and material integration after being selected by Bell Textron to supply armor for the FLRAA program. (Picture source: Integris)
The U.S. Army selected the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor as the FLRAA program winner, a decision upheld following a protest by the Sikorsky-Boeing team. The aircraft is designed to achieve twice the range and speed of the UH-60 Black Hawk. The program is in the engineering and manufacturing development phase, with Bell Textron reporting progress on six prototypes. Prototype testing is scheduled for 2026, with the aircraft planned for operational deployment by 2030.
The FLRAA program is part of the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative, which seeks to develop a fleet of advanced rotorcraft. The Army’s performance objectives for the FLRAA include an unrefueled combat radius of up to 450 nautical miles, a maximum continuous cruise speed between 295 and 330 knots, and a cabin configured to transport 12 personnel along with the crew. The aircraft is designed for missions including long-range assault, utility transport, medical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance.
In parallel with its role in the FLRAA program, Integris supplies armor for other military aviation platforms. The company is delivering armor kits for the Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf, the U.S. Air Force’s replacement for the UH-1N Huey. Integris also supplies ballistic protection for multiple international helicopter models, including the Airbus H-125, NH90, H135, H145, H175, H225M, and the Leonardo AW159, AW101, and AW169. These armor solutions are integrated into aerial, ground, and personal protection systems used by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Integris operates as a supplier to prime defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers. The company produces armor systems for land vehicles, naval platforms, and personal protective equipment. Its Cratus™ Wave ballistic armor, developed to reduce weight and heat stress, has been procured by the U.S. Air Force’s 582nd Helicopter Group. Integris also collaborates with Velocity Systems, the Battelle Memorial Institute, Mack Defense, and American Rheinmetall Vehicles on various defense projects.
The FLRAA program remains a key component of the U.S. Army’s aviation modernization strategy, as this program aims to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk with the Bell V-280 Valor, a tiltrotor aircraft offering significant advancements over both the Black Hawk and the V-22 Osprey. The V-280 is designed to cruise at speeds up to 280 knots (approximately 322 miles per hour), surpassing the Black Hawk’s 151 knots and the Osprey’s 241 knots. It also boasts an effective combat range between 500 to 800 nautical miles, exceeding the Black Hawk’s 320 nautical miles and offering improved operational efficiency over the Osprey’s 879 nautical miles. Unlike the Osprey, the V-280 features fixed engines with tilting rotors and drive shafts, enhancing maintainability and operational reliability. Additionally, the V-280’s design includes side doors for rapid troop ingress and egress, in contrast to the Osprey’s rear ramp, facilitating faster deployments in various mission scenarios.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On February 25, 2025, Integris Composites and QinetiQ US entered a partnership to contribute to the survivability of the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). Integris, a Tier 1 supplier specializing in military armor protection, has contracted QinetiQ to provide systems engineering and integration expertise for the material technology to be used on the aircraft’s floor and wing. This follows Integris’ selection by Bell Textron to supply armor for the FLRAA program, which aims to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk with an aircraft offering increased range, speed, and survivability.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Integris partners with QinetiQ for systems engineering and material integration after being selected by Bell Textron to supply armor for the FLRAA program. (Picture source: Integris)
The U.S. Army selected the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor as the FLRAA program winner, a decision upheld following a protest by the Sikorsky-Boeing team. The aircraft is designed to achieve twice the range and speed of the UH-60 Black Hawk. The program is in the engineering and manufacturing development phase, with Bell Textron reporting progress on six prototypes. Prototype testing is scheduled for 2026, with the aircraft planned for operational deployment by 2030.
The FLRAA program is part of the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative, which seeks to develop a fleet of advanced rotorcraft. The Army’s performance objectives for the FLRAA include an unrefueled combat radius of up to 450 nautical miles, a maximum continuous cruise speed between 295 and 330 knots, and a cabin configured to transport 12 personnel along with the crew. The aircraft is designed for missions including long-range assault, utility transport, medical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance.
In parallel with its role in the FLRAA program, Integris supplies armor for other military aviation platforms. The company is delivering armor kits for the Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf, the U.S. Air Force’s replacement for the UH-1N Huey. Integris also supplies ballistic protection for multiple international helicopter models, including the Airbus H-125, NH90, H135, H145, H175, H225M, and the Leonardo AW159, AW101, and AW169. These armor solutions are integrated into aerial, ground, and personal protection systems used by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Integris operates as a supplier to prime defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers. The company produces armor systems for land vehicles, naval platforms, and personal protective equipment. Its Cratus™ Wave ballistic armor, developed to reduce weight and heat stress, has been procured by the U.S. Air Force’s 582nd Helicopter Group. Integris also collaborates with Velocity Systems, the Battelle Memorial Institute, Mack Defense, and American Rheinmetall Vehicles on various defense projects.
The FLRAA program remains a key component of the U.S. Army’s aviation modernization strategy, as this program aims to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk with the Bell V-280 Valor, a tiltrotor aircraft offering significant advancements over both the Black Hawk and the V-22 Osprey. The V-280 is designed to cruise at speeds up to 280 knots (approximately 322 miles per hour), surpassing the Black Hawk’s 151 knots and the Osprey’s 241 knots. It also boasts an effective combat range between 500 to 800 nautical miles, exceeding the Black Hawk’s 320 nautical miles and offering improved operational efficiency over the Osprey’s 879 nautical miles. Unlike the Osprey, the V-280 features fixed engines with tilting rotors and drive shafts, enhancing maintainability and operational reliability. Additionally, the V-280’s design includes side doors for rapid troop ingress and egress, in contrast to the Osprey’s rear ramp, facilitating faster deployments in various mission scenarios.
