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The Army has moved Bell, Lockheed Martin, and M1 to Phase III of the Flight School Next competition at Fort Rucker, requiring them to submit full Commercial Solution Proposals. This decision follows their selection for Phase II last month.

The Flight School Next program aims to train 900 to 1,500 rotary wing pilots per year over a 26-year period, using a contractor-owned, contractor-operated model. Robinson will serve as a subcontractor for Lockheed Martin and M1 with its R-66 aircraft.

The Army plans to announce an award by the end of September. Other companies such as Airbus, Leonardo, Boeing, MD Helicopters, and Enstrom Helicopters also expressed interest in the program.