Matthew Nelson
Karem Aircraft has introduced the design for a rigid main rotor helicopter that will potentially support the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program, FlightGlobal reported Wednesday. The AR40 aircraft houses a three-blade main rotor along with a rotating wing and a pivoting tail rotor component.
The helicopter’s wings will enable the aircraft to ascend and tilt upward, while its swiveling tail rotor will help AR40 move aggressively at low speeds. According to the report, Karem expects the helicopter to reach a maximum speed of 206 miles per hour.
The company has tapped Raytheon to incorporate modular open systems and mission platforms into AR40, while Northrop will provide product and production support efforts.
In addition to Karem Aircraft, AVX Aircraft, Boeing, Lockheed’s Sikorsky business and Textron’s Bell Helicopter subsidiary will develop initial designs under the Army’s FARA initiative.
