The Army is building its next rotorcraft – with tech proven on millions of commercial flights
The U.S. Army’s next rotorcraft, the MV-75 Cheyenne, is anticipated to transform military aviation, leveraging five advanced systems that have accumulated millions of hours in commercial flight testing.
Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, has been selected by Bell Textron Inc., part of Textron Inc., to supply existing or updated versions of these systems, which include main power generators, drive shafts and couplings, smart air data sensors, aircrew seating, and ice detection and protection units.
This initiative is aligned with the Army’s strategy to lower operational costs by integrating proven commercial technologies, exemplifying the effective transition of commercial innovations into military applications.
“Our ability to deliver advanced performance with military‑grade, commercial technology – and leverage existing manufacturing and service capabilities worldwide – ensures the Army can urgently modernize while sustaining these aircraft for the next 50 years.”
Stephanie Bell | Director, Customer Excellence | Collins Aerospace
These five systems enhance the Army’s aircraft capabilities, providing increased range, speed, and reliability through tested commercial technologies. This approach minimizes risks from the outset, allowing for accelerated deployment, improved sustainment, and heightened confidence in mission readiness.
Power generation
Our power generation system delivers the electrical capacity required for the Army’s vision of the MV-75 Cheyenne, enabling operations that go ‘twice as far, twice as fast.’
Commercially proven:
Collins generators log almost 500,000 commercial flight hours a day worldwide.
Interconnect drive system
This system ensures reliable power transmission to both rotors, maintaining consistent performance through durable drive shafts.
Commercially proven:
Shafts and flexible couplings are utilized on over 75 platforms, including the entire V‑22 drive system.
SmartProbe® air data system
Equipped with advanced sensors and integrated air data computers, this system enhances pilot awareness with essential flight information.
Commercially proven:
SmartProbe technology is utilized across more than 25 aircraft types.
Cockpit seating
This design prioritizes ergonomics and protection, ensuring crew comfort without sacrificing safety.
Commercially proven:
Benefits from 40,000 cycles of commercial cockpit testing.
Ice protection system
This system employs proprietary technology to detect and mitigate icing conditions, enabling reliable operation in adverse weather.
Commercially proven:
Harnessing over nine decades of engineering expertise.
This development is part of a larger effort supported by the Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal under Contract No. W58RGZ-23-C-0001. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal.
Source: RTX (Raytheon) (2026-07-13 00:00:00)
