Boeing, Leonardo Collaborate on U.S. Army Helicopter Training

Our Bureau - : Oct 14, 2025 - : 11:07 pm

Boeing and Leonardo are collaborating to pursue the U.S. Army's Flight School Next contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) service contract. The partnership combines Boeing's experience in Army rotary-wing training and program delivery with Leonardo's AW119T training helicopter to provide a scalable training...

To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:

Boeing's Army training experience includes services and mission systems support for the AH‑64 Apache worldwide, covering live, virtual, and constructive simulation, cockpit-procedure trainers, and instructor development programs designed to sustain Apache aircrew readiness. By combining these services with systems integration, simulation, and program management capabilities, Boeing and Leonardo aim to provide a comprehensive COCO training solution.

"We are bringing together two industry leaders to offer the Army a turnkey, innovative approach to rotary-wing training with an integrated, long-term training solution that increases aviator proficiency, operational and sustainment efficiencies and will deliver measurable value throughout the life of the program," said John Chicoli, senior director, U.S. Army/Marines & Special Operations/Missions, Boeing Global Services.

The AW119T is a single-engine trainer with commercial support, which has logged over 100,000 flight hours, including more than 16,000 hours under instrument flight rules and over 40,000 touchdown autorotations. Leonardo maintains 130 AW119T aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy near Fort Rucker, Alabama, providing immediate logistics synergies and responsiveness.

"The AW119T is a proven platform that already supports U.S. military training every day. With more than 100,000 flight hours accumulated and a sustainment network in place in Florida, Leonardo and Boeing are uniquely positioned to deliver immediate capability and long-term value to the Army through Flight School Next," said Clyde Woltman, CEO, Leonardo Helicopters U.S.

Boeing and Leonardo plan to offer a comprehensive training service that increases flight hours, enhances pilot proficiency, and provides a flexible, scalable model over the life of the contract. The program will rely on a mature, low-risk aircraft with crashworthy seating and fuel systems capable of full touchdown autorotations and in-flight emergency training.

The training system will integrate airframes, maintenance, instructors, simulators, and a validated curriculum. Instruction will follow a proficiency-based, phase-driven program blending in-aircraft training, advanced simulators, virtual instructor pilot support, and cloud-based progress tracking. Operational efficiencies will be supported through automated logistics, optimized maintenance scheduling, and adaptive training calendars to mitigate weather and daylight impacts. Sustainment and production capabilities will leverage an established support network, including a fully operational AW119T sustainment facility and production capacity to meet program demand.

Leonardo / Boeing / Us-army / Aw119 /

MORE NEWS