Integris and QinetiQ partner to strengthen armour for U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft

As a Tier 1 supplier of military helicopter armour, Integris has been selected to provide protective systems for the FLRAA, further strengthening its position in the military aviation sector. The collaboration builds upon Integris’ initial selection by Bell Textron, the primary contractor for the FLRAA project.

Under the agreement, QinetiQ will provide systems engineering and integration expertise for the advanced materials used in the helicopter’s floor and wings. This partnership continues a longstanding collaboration between QinetiQ and Integris in the defence sector.

The FLRAA programme has now entered the engineering and manufacturing development phase, with Bell Textron beginning detailed design work on six prototypes. The aircraft is expected to undergo prototype testing in 2026, with full-scale deployment planned by 2030.

“We are extremely proud to be part of the team behind this innovative rotorcraft that will become the U.S. Army’s new long-range assault aircraft,” said David Cordova, Chief Commercial Officer of Integris. He highlighted the company’s expertise in lightweight, composite military armour, which has been successfully applied to various aerospace projects.

Integris aligns with key industry initiatives, including Bell’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and the broader Future Vertical Lift (FVL) programme. These efforts focus on increasing survivability and adaptability in future military aviation systems.

Integris has a long-standing reputation as a trusted supplier of advanced ballistic protection for military helicopters worldwide. The company is providing armour kits for the Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf, which will replace the UH-60 Black Hawk in U.S. Air Force operations.

“We are part of a storied lineage that traces its roots back to the iconic Vietnam-era ‘Huey’ and the Black Hawk, which has been the Army’s Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System since 1979,” Cordova said. He emphasised the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting military aviation through innovative protective solutions.

In addition to the FLRAA, Integris supplies ballistic protection for various international helicopter platforms, including Airbus models such as the H-125, H135, NH90, and H225M (Super Puma). The company also provides armour for Leonardo helicopters, including the AW159, AW101, and AW169.

Beyond helicopter armour, Integris supports several major defence projects, including contracts with Velocity Systems, Battelle Memorial Institute, Mack Defense, American Rheinmetall Vehicles, and the Air Force Institute of Technology. The company’s expertise extends to personal protection, with its Cratus™ Wave ballistic armour being ordered by the U.S. Air Force 582nd Helicopter Group.

“Integris is entering its fourth decade as a reliable resource for major military commands and a trusted partner for leading defence contractors,” Cordova said. As a Tier 1 supplier to aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the company remains at the forefront of advanced military protection technology.