Army Aviation takes up 7 percent of the Army's manpower and 20 percent of the Army budget. The Army spends about 7.5 Billion Dollars per year on Aviation. The Army is trying to organize its 13th Active Duty Aviation Brigade which is a five year project. Army Brass are waiting to see how deeply the Army's budget gets cut....to see what the future budgeting will allow them to do.
Top of the list for desired purchases is a replacement for the OH058 Warrior. The Army delayed the purchase while spending 250 Million Dollars converting 58D models to 58F models. The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade shall field a mixed unit of UAV's and 58F's for testing operational procedures.
The Army Blackhawk and Chinook fleets have seen an operational tempo five times planned due to Iraq and Afghanistan without a decrease in readiness or an increase in accident rates.
The Army is committed to building a new generation of helicopter by 2030 but have yet to finalize what the design shall be.
With budget cuts coming.....there is fat chance the Army will buy Ospreys due to the cost alone.