Training and Workforce
Robinson R66 Chosen as New U.S. Army Trainer
M1 Support Services selected to provide $10 billion contract
R66 hovering above ground
With more than 85% of parts built in-house, Robinson Helicopters believes the R66’s vertically-integrated manufacturing helps deliver “consistent quality, reliable parts availability, and direct OEM responsiveness”.

Texas-based M1 Support Services has won a tightly-fought competition to become the U.S. Army’s next Initial Entry Rotary-Wing training provider, surpassing close contender Bell Helicopters. M1’s bid centered around the five-seat Robinson R66 light turbine single helicopter. 

Under the $10 billion fixed-price arrangement, set to run for up to 26 years, contractor M1 will provide all aircraft, maintenance, simulators, flight and academic instruction, and related support services. Training services delivered through the “indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity” contract will be conducted at Fort Rucker, Alabama, phasing out the ageing Airbus Helicopters twin-engine UH-72 Lakota currently in use. 

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