Brian BlancoGetty Images The U.S. Army faces a dilemma over a future replacement for its fleet of A/MH-6 “Little Bird” helicopters. The Little Birds are small, highly maneuverable attack and transport helicopters used by U.S. special operations forces. The helicopters are set to be replaced when the Army picks a new reconnaissance helicopter, but a requirement to carry special operations troops could a civilian helicopter step in for the Little Birds. The U.S. Army’s elite fleet of A/MH-6 “Little Bird” special operations helicopters might give way to civilian choppers in the coming years. �� The Army could swap the Little Birds, which the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment has used for nearly 40 years, for the winner of a new armed reconnaissance helicopter competition. The catch? Just one of the two competing helicopters can actually carry troops—a key requirement for the Little Bird’s replacement.