Aviation News – The U.S. Army has officially designated the Bell MV-75 as the Cheyenne II, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of its vertical lift fleet. This designation honors the warrior spirit of the Cheyenne Tribes while signaling a new era of multi-mission aerial capability for the American military.
The decision, announced by Bell Textron Inc., follows the Army’s long-standing tradition of naming its aircraft after Native American tribes. The name specifically pays tribute to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana and the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, both of which are federally recognized nations with a deep history of service and resilience.
The MDS designation of MV-75 was first revealed in 2025, carrying a dual symbolic meaning. The “MV” identifier classifies the platform as a multi-mission vertical takeoff aircraft, while the number “75” was chosen to commemorate 1775, the founding year of the U.S. Army.
This advanced aircraft is designed to provide the Army with unprecedented speed and range, significantly outperforming traditional rotorcraft in complex environments. By utilizing vertical takeoff technology, the Cheyenne II offers the operational flexibility needed for diverse combat and transport roles, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program.
“In naming the MV-75 Cheyenne II, we honor the enduring contributions of the Cheyenne people to our Nation—both their distinguished service in uniform and their legacy as steadfast protectors of their way of life,” said COL Jeffrey Poquette, Project Manager for FLRAA. He noted that the name also connects to the historical AH-56 Cheyenne while the “II” represents a “decisive step forward” for modern technology.
As the program transitions from development to deployment, the Cheyenne II will become the primary vehicle for high-speed tactical maneuvers. Military leaders and industry partners are now focusing on integrating these platforms into active service to maintain global air superiority.
The Cheyenne II represents the fusion of historical respect and future-ready engineering. It bridges the gap between the Army’s founding heritage and its modern requirements for agility and power. This designation ensures that the legacy of the Cheyenne warriors continues to fly alongside the next generation of American aviators.
