Has the Little Bird become obsolete?

According to the U.S. Special Operation Command (USSOCOM), the last years of the well-known Little Bird helicopter may be approaching. The Little Bird falls under the U.S. Army Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Program, which aims to upgrade light, medium, and heavy helicopters. The final decision for the Little Bird will be made in 2024, as it will either need to be replaced or further upgraded. These small helicopters have already been in service for many years, often under extreme conditions. Therefore, acquiring new models is very likely.

A few years ago, the Little Bird fleet of USSOCOM underwent a modernization and upgrade program known as Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB). The MELB improved the previous version (AH-6J and MH-6J) by adding an additional blade to the main rotor of the aircraft (increasing the total number of blades to six), improving the tail rotor drive system and tail boom, enlarging the rear cabin doors to allow for easier operator egress, and enhancing the landing gear.

The Little Bird helicopter is manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) currently operates around 51 AH-6M and MH-6M Little Birds. Seen on SOFREP.

USSOCOM online: www.socom.mil