Advancements in Army UAS competition and engine acceptance for future attack recon aircraft

The U.S. Army has accepted the first of its long-delayed next-generation engines, which will power the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) as well as AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The second engine is still undergoing acceptance and will be delivered to the FARA prototype builders by the end of October. The delivery of engines will allow for ground runs and limited flight testing in 2024. The development of the next-generation engine faced delays due to issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first flight for FARA prototypes is now expected in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.