California helicopter maker lands major Army training deal, could support hundreds of US jobs

Robinson Helicopter’s R66 will train the next generation of Army pilots in a deal the California manufacturer says could support hundreds of American jobs.

The US Army is overhauling how it trains its new helicopter pilots to fly, outsourcing training to a private company

A new Army contract worth up to $10 billion will shift entry-level helicopter training to a private contractor.
The Aviationist

U.S. Army Selects M1 for Flight School Next Program

The U.S. Army M1 Support Services to train new pilots as part of the Flight School Next program, with the Robinson R66 helicopter replacing the UH-72 Lakota. The U.S. Army announced on Aug. 13, 2026, ...