Defense Business and Industry

Boeing and Leonardo Collaborate to Transform U.S. Army Aviator Training

Boeing and Leonardo have joined forces to propose a modernized U.S. Army aviator training solution featuring Leonardo’s AW119T single-engine helicopter, targeting the Army’s Flight School Next program. Announced at the Association of the U.S. Army conference in Washington on October 12, 2025, the partnership aims to deliver a contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) flexible training model, moving away from traditional government-operated training. The Army, facing high aviation accident rates, seeks to overhaul pilot training with a focus on cost efficiency and safety, supported by studies advocating a single-engine trainer and COCO system. Evaluation of proposals will occur in 2026, with the goal to implement the new training solution by early fiscal 2027. Boeing’s extensive Army aviation experience combined with Leonardo’s AW119T—already logged with over 100,000 flight hours and operated by the U.S. Navy near Fort Rucker—forms the foundation of this training package, which includes advanced simulation and instructor development to enhance pilot proficiency and operational efficiency across the contract’s lifespan.

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