Team M1 Partners to Modernize U.S. Army Pilot Training with R66 Helicopters

A New Flight Plan: M1 and Robinson Team Up for U.S. Army Pilot Training

The landscape of U.S. Army aviation training is on the brink of a significant transformation. On November 18, 2025, a strategic partnership was announced that could reshape how the next generation of Army aviators learns to fly. M1 Support Services (M1), a seasoned provider of military aviation support, has joined forces with Robinson Helicopter Company, a global leader in civil helicopters manufacturing. Together, as “Team M1,” they are entering the bid for the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) training services contract, a forward-thinking initiative designed to modernize pilot instruction from the ground up.

At the heart of the FSN program is a fundamental shift in operational philosophy. The Army is moving towards a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) model. This means the winning contractor will not only provide the training curriculum and instructors but will also own, operate, and maintain the entire fleet of training aircraft. The core objectives are twofold: to elevate the proficiency of student pilots through advanced training solutions and to significantly reduce the operational and lifecycle costs for the government. This new approach opens the door for innovative solutions from the private sector, and Team M1’s proposal is a direct response to this call for a more efficient and effective training paradigm.

The Strategic Alliance of Team M1

The partnership between M1 Support Services and Robinson Helicopter Company creates a formidable contender for the FSN contract. Each partner brings a distinct and complementary set of skills to the table, forming a holistic solution aimed directly at the Army’s stated needs. M1 steps into the role of prime contractor, leveraging its extensive experience in managing large-scale aviation Training programs for the U.S. military. The company is already deeply embedded in the Army’s training ecosystem, with a major presence at Fort Rucker, Alabama, the home of Army aviation. There, M1 supports a massive 240,000 Flying Hour Program, overseeing the daily scheduling, maintenance, and flight operations for hundreds of aircraft.

A Union of Expertise and Innovation

As the prime contractor, M1 is responsible for weaving together all the components of the FSN proposal. This extends beyond just the aircraft. As M1 CEO George Krivo stated, their approach is about delivering a complete package. “In addition to R66 helicopters, our holistic solution for Flight School Next features innovative training and simulation technologies that are truly transformative,” he explained. “M1 will provide high-quality pilot training at a more affordable cost for our partners.” This highlights a commitment to integrating modern simulation and training aids alongside the physical aircraft to create a more immersive and effective learning environment for new pilots.

Robinson Helicopter Company, in turn, serves as the exclusive aircraft provider for Team M1. Based in Torrance, California, Robinson has built a global reputation for producing reliable, cost-effective, and robust helicopters. The company’s vertically integrated Manufacturing process, where 85% of all parts for its proposed R66 model are fabricated in-house, ensures a stable and secure domestic supply chain. While Robinson’s primary market has historically been civilian, its helicopters are not strangers to military training. Various models are already used by international military and law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian and Royal Jordanian Air Forces, proving their capability in a rigorous training context.

This collaboration is a calculated move. M1 provides the logistical and programmatic backbone, with proven experience in military operations and training management. Robinson supplies a purpose-built, commercially successful aircraft platform known for its reliability and economic efficiency. Together, they present a unified front, aiming to deliver a turn-key solution that promises to meet the Army’s performance requirements while offering tangible cost savings.

“M1 will provide high-quality pilot training at a more affordable cost for our partners.”, George Krivo, CEO of M1 Support Services

The R66: A New Trainer for a New Era

The centerpiece of Team M1’s bid is the Robinson R66 helicopter. The selection of this aircraft is a deliberate choice, reflecting a “back to basics” philosophy combined with modern engineering. The R66 is a light, single-engine turbine helicopter renowned for its straightforward design and dependable performance. This simplicity is positioned as a key advantage for initial flight training, allowing student pilots to master the core principles of rotary-wing flight without being overwhelmed by overly complex systems. David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, described the aircraft as “simple, affordable, robust and fit for purpose,” emphasizing its suitability for the foundational stages of a pilot’s career.

Proven, Reliable, and Cost-Effective

The argument for the R66 is heavily supported by its extensive track record. It is not an unproven concept but a globally recognized training platform. According to Lt. Gen. Doug Gabram, U.S. Army (Retired) and an M1 Strategic Advisor, “More than 1,900 Robinson helicopters are used for civil and military flight training programs worldwide.” This widespread adoption speaks volumes about its reliability and effectiveness in an instructional setting. Gen. Gabram further noted that the R66 is “safe, rugged, and reliable,” calling it “the perfect training aircraft for the Army” and highlighting that it “offers lower operating costs than any competitor.”

The economic benefits are a cornerstone of the proposal. The FSN program’s goal of reducing costs aligns perfectly with the R66’s operational profile. Its lower fuel consumption, simpler maintenance requirements, and the availability of a strong domestic supply chain for parts all contribute to a reduced total cost of ownership. This efficiency allows the Army to allocate resources more effectively, potentially increasing flight hours for students or investing in other critical areas of the training curriculum. The choice of the R66 represents a strategic pivot from the more complex aircraft currently used, focusing on building a strong foundation of flying skills in a reliable and economically sensible platform.

The competition for the FSN contract is robust, with major industry players like Bell and Leonardo Helicopters also expected to contend for the program. This competitive environment underscores the importance of the contract and the broader trend of modernizing military training. Team M1’s bid, with its unique combination of M1’s operational expertise and Robinson’s proven R66 platform, presents a distinct and compelling alternative for the future of Army aviation.

Conclusion: Charting the Future of Army Aviation

The Partnerships between M1 Support Services and Robinson Helicopter Company represents a significant and focused effort to address the U.S. Army’s call for a modernized flight training program. By combining M1’s deep experience in military aviation support with Robinson’s globally proven and cost-effective R66 helicopter, Team M1 has put forth a comprehensive solution for the Flight School Next initiative. Their proposal is built on the core principles of the FSN program: enhancing pilot proficiency through a purpose-built platform and innovative simulation, while simultaneously driving down operational costs through the efficiency of a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated model.

Should Team M1 succeed, it would not only mark a major entry for Robinson Helicopter Company into the U.S. military market but could also signal a broader shift in military procurement strategy. The bid champions the idea that proven, commercially available technology can be effectively leveraged to meet military requirements, offering a pathway to greater efficiency and affordability. The outcome of the FSN contract competition will undoubtedly set the course for how the next generation of Army aviators is trained, and the M1-Robinson proposal has positioned itself as a powerful contender in shaping that future.

FAQ

Question: What is the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) program?
Answer: The FSN program is an initiative to modernize the U.S. Army’s initial pilot training. It uses a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) model, where the winning bidder will own and manage the training aircraft and curriculum to enhance pilot proficiency and reduce costs.

Question: Who are the main partners in the “Team M1” bid?
Answer: Team M1 is a partnership between M1 Support Services, which will act as the prime contractor, and Robinson Helicopter Company, which will provide the training aircraft.

Question: What helicopter is being proposed by Team M1?
Answer: Team M1 is proposing the Robinson R66, a light single-engine turbine helicopter known for its reliability, simple design, and cost-effective operation. It is already used in over 1,900 training programs worldwide.

Sources

• M1 Support Services