Little Bird Returns in the Autumn

Sorry about the hed, I thought it sounded cool, like code words for two spies who meet for the first time.

It's actually true too, as the AH-6 Little Bird scout light attack/reconnaissance helicopter is experiencing a renaissance as a result of the problems with the Bell ARH-70, which is behind schedule and over budget. Boeing is not explicitly looking to replace the ARH-70 through the cancellation of the contract, though the US Army is considering this.

Right now, they are pitching the AH-6 on the export market, which has viewed Bells problems with some alarm.

[Update]
The Pentagon has declined to certify the ARH-70A Arapaho following a Nunn-McDurdy (budget) breach, so the program is effectively canceled.

Seeing as how Boeing has largely fixed the manufacturing capability issues that dogged their first bid, I expect them to come back and win the bid, but we know what my predictions are worth.

ARH-70A Arapaho


AH-6 Little Bird

I will note that the AH-6 has seen combat service with the Israeli Defense Forces.