The Navy’s Future Vertical Lift (Maritime Strike) (FVL (MS)) program has recently completed its Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), marking a significant milestone in its development. The culmination of this analysis led to a “Gate 2” Resources and Requirements Review Board (R3B) meeting, where the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9) unanimously endorsed the results. The endorsement paves the way for the program to proceed with developing a Capabilities Development Document (CDD) and a Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
The FVL (MS) program is designed to replace the Navy’s legacy MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawks, which will begin to reach the end of their service lives in the late 2030s following their Service Life Extensions. The transition to FVL (MS) is seen as essential to maintain operational effectiveness under the Distributed Maritime Operations concept.
Rear Admiral Buzz Donnelly, Director of the Air Warfare Division (N98), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, emphasized the significance of the FVL (MS) program. “FVL (MS) will be the most widely distributed aviation platform in the Navy, embarking on all surface combatants from future FFG to aircraft carriers and will contribute to more primary mission areas than any other aviation platform in the Navy,” Donnelly stated.
FVL (MS) aims to be a versatile Family of Systems (FoS) that includes both crewed and uncrewed elements. This new platform will take on the missions currently performed by legacy helicopters but with enhanced range, endurance, and modularity, leveraging emerging technologies. The FoS will be developed under the same Program Executive Office (PEO) to ensure maximum interoperability, including effective crewed-uncrewed teaming. The Navy envisions FVL (MS) to be more capable, survivable, reliable, and sustainable than its predecessors.
Designed to undertake unique maritime missions, FVL (MS) will primarily operate from Surface Combatants such as destroyers (DDGs), frigates (FFGs), and Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The program will benefit from advancements made by the Army and Marine Corps in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) systems. Innovations in engine design, digital backbone, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), advanced rotor blades, materials, and launched effects from these services will inform the development of FVL (MS).
As the Navy progresses towards a material solution and aims for an initial operational capability (IOC) in the early 2040s, OPNAV N98 and Naval Air Systems Command plan to hold an Industry Day in 2024. This event will communicate the requirements for FVL (MS) capabilities and share details on the concept of employment (CONEMPS) with industry partners.
The ongoing development of the FVL (MS) program underscores the Navy’s commitment to maintaining its edge in maritime aviation. By incorporating the latest technologies and lessons learned from sister services, the FVL (MS) platform is poised to offer significant improvements over the current helicopter fleet, ensuring readiness and adaptability for future naval operations.
