Bill · S. 1869· Senate(119-S-1869)
HOVER Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 5/22/2025
- Last activity
- 5/22/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Cruz
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "HOVER Act of 2025," directs the Secretary of Defense to establish an operational experimentation program for optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) rotary-wing aircraft. The Secretary of the Army is tasked with creating this program to test the military utility of these aircraft in contested environments. The program will also assess how these aircraft integrate with crewed aircraft and analyze the benefits of autonomous flight regarding cost and maintenance. A key requirement is the conversion of at least three existing Army rotary-wing aircraft into optionally piloted vehicles. The program is intended to run for a two-year period.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Cost and Maintenance Benefits: The program aims to analyze the cost and maintenance benefits of autonomous flight, which could lead to increased efficiency (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Technological Advancement through Partnerships: The Secretary may collaborate with the United States defense industry, universities, and research institutions to advance technologies and support rapid prototyping (Section 2(f)).
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Future Military Preparedness: The program seeks to develop future tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for Army aviation (Section 2(a)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are mentioned in the provided text.
- 5/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in Senate