Boeing [NYSE: BA] will continue developing a technology that improves helicopters’ maneuverability and performance, through an $18 million U.S. Army contract for Phase II of the Adaptive Vehicle Management System (AVMS) program.

The advanced rotorcraft flight control system, a joint development project between Boeing and the Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD)*, reduces aircrew workload and overall operating costs. AVMS adapts the flight controls to the aircraft’s flight condition, environment and even pilot intent.

“This second phase will encompass more than 100 hours of flight test time and allow us to build on the great work we’ve accomplished over the past two years with the AATD,” said James Dryfoos, AVMS program manager for Boeing.

In Phase II, the team will fly the AVMS system on the modified Boeing H-6 helicopter used in Phase I, as well as on the larger Boeing AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The tests will demonstrate the design’s portability and show how it enhances flight performance during attack and cargo missions.

“Phase II also allows us to continue H-6 flight control test bed prototyping activities to expand AVMS’ capabilities,” said Steve Glusman, director, Boeing Advanced Mobility. “AVMS will be a key capability in future Boeing aircraft such as Future Vertical Lift rotorcraft.”

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