Bell’s V-280 Valor is a future long-range vertical lift weapon aircraft built for speed, range, agility, and endurance. It is a purpose-built aircraft designed for the United States Army. This tiltrotor flying machine is developed and manufactured by Bell Helicopters of Fort Worth, Texas, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. The aircraft will complement the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey.
The manufacturer introduced the aircraft in 2013 and performed the type’s first flight in December 2017. In December 2022, the US Army selected the V-280 Valor as the winner of the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program. The US Army aims to replace the aging Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. Bell’s V-280 is currently under production while certification tests are being performed on the prototype.
The Bell V-280 Valor
The Bell V-280 is designed to have a crew of four and the capability to transport up to 14 troops. The tiltrotor aircraft is unique in its functionality, where the engines remain in position while the rotor and drive shafts tilt. Built for enhanced mission safety, the aircraft has a ferry range of 2,100 NM (2,400 miles, 3,900 km).
The aircraft has a combat range of 500-800 NM (589-920 miles, 930-1,480 km). According to the manufacturer,
“Purpose-built to revolutionize the reach and effectiveness of each mission while offering unmatched maneuverability, reduced downtime and elevated mission safety. With over twice the speed and range as current weapons systems, the Bell V-280 Valor is the proven long-range maneuver solution.”
Operational performance
The aircraft can attain a cruise speed of 280 knots (320 mph, 520 km/h). Powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 1107F turboshaft engines. In the event of an engine failure, both props can be used by a single shaft that runs through the straight wing.
Its wings are designed using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), allowing weight reduction, high strength, and superior flight performance. The V-280 can achieve high levels of maneuverability and control due to the V-tail design and ruddervators. It allows operators to use the aircraft in multi-domain missions. According to the manufacturer,
“Combining the speed and range of the turboprop with advanced agility greater than a traditional helicopter, the Bell V-280 Valor offers better flight performance and lifecycle sustainability. This weapon system was purpose built to revolutionize U.S. Army overmatch in multi-domain operations.”
Bell claims the aircraft performs very well in lower-tier air domains, providing the necessary agility and endurance during missions. The aircraft features the speed and range for any mission, providing advanced agility much greater than conventional helicopters.
According to the company,
“The Bell V-280 has proven its raw control power in pitch, roll, and yaw maneuvers, performing at the highest standards for agility. Validated by numerous flight tests, the aircraft delivers the transformational agility warfighters need for mission success.”
The company estimates the price of the V-280 Valor to be $43 million.
What are your thoughts on the Bell V-280 Valor aircraft? Have you had a chance to spot it in the air during its test flights? Share your opinion in the comments section.
