HOVER Act of 2025
The Helicopter Operational Versatility and Enhanced Readiness Act of 2025 (the HOVER Act) would require the Secretary of the Army to launch a two-year operational experimentation program using optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) technology for rotary-wing aircraft. The program aims to evaluate the military utility of OPV helicopters in contested environments, assess how such aircraft could work with crewed aircraft in multi-domain operations, analyze potential cost and maintenance benefits of autonomous flight, and develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures for Army aviation. It would also tie into ongoing autonomy research programs (ACES, MAA, and the ALIAS DARPA transition) to inform future developments. The Department would convert at least three existing Army rotary-wing aircraft into OPVs for testing, and all testing would occur in designated special use airspace. A one-year Congressional report would assess progress, initial findings on efficiency and cost, and potential future procurement. The act maintains flexibility so the Secretary can adjust scope and methods to align with modernization priorities.
Key Points
- 1Establish an operational experimentation program within 180 days to evaluate OPV rotary-wing aircraft in contested environments, integration with crewed aircraft, and autonomous flight benefits.
- 2The program runs for a two-year period and requires converting at least three existing Army rotary-wing aircraft into optionally piloted vehicles.
- 3Testing must occur in DoD special use airspace and be managed by the Secretary of the Army through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology in coordination with the Program Executive Office for Aviation.
- 4The Secretary may partner with defense industry, universities, and research institutions to advance OPV technologies and ensure interoperability with Joint All-Domain Operations.
- 5A comprehensive report to Congress is due within one year, covering progress, initial findings on efficiency and cost, and recommendations for potential future procurement.
- 6Section includes flexibility to adjust scope, platform selection, or methodology to align with service priorities and modernization goals.