Army Unveils First Tiltrotor Aircraft: Cheyenne II

The new MV-75 tiltrotor is named after the Cheyenne tribe, continuing the Army's tradition of honoring Indigenous heritage.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:59pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a lone military aircraft resting on a tarmac, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative mood that reflects the historical significance of the Cheyenne II's name.The U.S. Army's new Cheyenne II tiltrotor aircraft, named in honor of the Cheyenne tribe, represents the military's ongoing efforts to recognize and celebrate Native American heritage.Today in Nashville

The U.S. Army has officially named its first tiltrotor aircraft the Cheyenne II, continuing the service's practice of naming airframes after Indigenous tribes. The announcement was made by the Army's undersecretary at the Army Aviation Warfighting Symposium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Why it matters

The decision to name the new MV-75 tiltrotor after the Cheyenne tribe is part of the Army's ongoing effort to recognize and honor the contributions of Native Americans, whose relationship with the U.S. military has evolved from conflict to mutual respect and patriotic service.

The details

The Cheyenne II tiltrotor is the Army's first aircraft to feature this hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology, which combines the vertical lift capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing plane. The naming of the new airframe continues the Army's tradition of honoring Indigenous tribes, which has included past aircraft like the Apache, Lakota, and Kiowa.

  • The announcement was made on April 15, 2026 at the Army Aviation Warfighting Symposium in Nashville, Tennessee.

The players

U.S. Army

The U.S. Army is the land-based armed service branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Cheyenne Tribe

The Cheyenne are a Native American tribe that historically inhabited the Great Plains region of North America.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

By naming its first tiltrotor aircraft the Cheyenne II, the U.S. Army is continuing its tradition of honoring the heritage and service of Native American tribes, highlighting the evolving and increasingly collaborative relationship between the military and Indigenous communities.