FVL CFTFuture Vertical Lift

WHO WE ARE

The Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team is committed to the development of critical combat systems ensuring Army aviation maintains vertical lift dominance over enemy forces in future multi-domain operations. FVL will enable the joint force to operate dispersed over wide areas with increased lethality, survivability and reach by penetrating enemy defenses and subsequently exploiting open corridors with enhanced Attack/Reconnaissance, Air Assault and MEDEVAC capabilities.

With a commitment to staying on schedule and exercising disciplined requirements development based on known, proven technologies, the FVL CFT is postured to develop and acquire Army Aviation’s next generation of aircraft and unmanned systems with revolutionary increases in reach, protection, lethality and agility at the objective allowing FVL to fly, fight and prevail in any environment.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Major General
Walter Rugen

Director, Future Vertical Lift, Cross-Functional Team

Maj. Gen. Walter (Wally) Rugen is the director of the Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team located at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

Rugen was born and raised in Onalaska, Wisconsin, and was commissioned through the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1989. Prior to FVL, he served as the 7th Infantry Division deputy commanding general-support at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Rugen’s previous assignments include Headquarters, Department of the Army; 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade; and 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment.

Rugen’s team is currently focused on four efforts: Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft Capability Set 1, Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft Capability Set 3, Modular Open System Architecture and Future Unmanned Aircraft System.