Rotorcraft
Army General Challenges Industry To Develop Key Tech
Warns U.S. Battlefield Edge Can No Longer Be Assumed

The former commander of the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) challenged rotorcraft industry leaders this week to develop nine critical technologies required for the service to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global battlespace. Speaking at the Vertical Flight Society’s Forum 74 in Phoenix, Brigadier Gen. John Evans, Jr., noted “We find ourselves facing a new balance of power equation that no longer greatly favors the innovation, ingenuity, and productivity of the United States and her allies. The competition space is dense and challenges arise from all quarters.” The nine-point blueprint advocated by Evans included improved communications, situational awareness, aircraft fuel efficiency and survivability, adapting virtual reality to training, and smarter cockpits with autonomous capabilities.