Tag Archives: Bell Helicopter

Air, Cargo, Navy

Initial Operational Capability

The U.S. Navy announced Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the CMV-22B Osprey, confirming the platform’s operational readiness following the successful completion of its maiden deployment, on February 18, 2022.

CMV-22B Osprey
CMV-22B Ospreys, attached to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, fly over Naval Air Station North Island, California. VRM-30, as part of Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, returned to Naval Air Station North Island, California, February 12, 2022, following an eight-month deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations. The Carl Vinson CSG is the first carrier strike group to deploy with a combination of fourth and fifth-generation platforms within CVW 2 that predominantly represent the «Airwing of the Future», including the F-35C Lightning IIs of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 and the CMV-22B Ospreys of VRM-30 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Olympia O. McCoy)

The aircraft was formally declared IOC on December 14, 2021, aligning with the scheduled first-quarter fiscal year requirement.

«The CMV-22’s maiden deployment with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) team is an operational success, giving me the confidence necessary to make the declaration», said Rear Admiral Andrew Loiselle, Director, Air Warfare Division, N98, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. «As we continue to deliver the advanced platforms that will make up the Air Wing of the Future, the CMV-22B Osprey provides the necessary support and more to carry our future force».

Loiselle’s designation marks a key milestone in the design, development, acquisition and testing of the CMV-22B Osprey and confirms its relevance and readiness to meet the needs of the Navy’s Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) mission. The aircraft transports personnel, mail, supplies and cargo from shore bases to aircraft carriers at sea, and will eventually replace the C-2A Greyhound.

«IOC designation is more than a stamp of approval», said U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Brian Taylor, V-22 Joint program manager. «It is a vote of confidence from top Navy leadership that the design, testing and production of this aircraft meet the logistical needs of the carrier air wings designated to fly the CMV-22B Osprey».

This past summer marked the first deployment for the CMV-22B Osprey. Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 embarked on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) alongside the F-35C Lightning II and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye squadrons. The first deployed detachment has executed a mission completion rate of 98% and a mission capable rate of 75%. The CMV-22B Osprey is a crucial element of future carrier airwings due to the cargo capacity needed to transport F-35 power modules and additional logistics support for future carrier air wing deployments with next-generation platforms.

«This aircraft went from first flight to first deployment in 19 months; a feat possible through the dedication of the Navy’s acquisition, engineering, test and operational communities, as well as industry, all working in tandem, toward a common goal», said Taylor.

With 50% more internal fuel than the Marine Corps’ Osprey variant, CMV-22B Osprey can transport up to 6,000 pounds/2,721.5 kg of cargo and personnel over a 1,150 nautical mile/1,323 mile/2,130 km range. The U.S. Navy redesigned the forward sponson fuel tanks and added two wing fuel tanks to add capacity and extend the flight range.

«As our fighter/attack and surveillance aircraft expand in both capability and size to extend the range of the carrier air wing, we must also evolve our support aircraft, in tandem, to supply those platforms. The CMV-22B Osprey will transport cargo and personnel to outfit the most advanced aircraft carrier strike groups as we continue to meet the needs of our missions worldwide», said Taylor.

The program will continue to refine and test capabilities on the aircraft, addressing the agile needs of the fleet. To date, Bell Boeing has delivered 14 aircraft with 44 on contract and full operational capability expected in 2023.

Air

Low-speed agility

The Bell V-280 Valor recently completed flight demonstrations of its low-speed agility Key Performance Parameter (KPP) in the U.S. Army-led Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR TD) program ahead of schedule. The V-280 Valor has now demonstrated in flight testing that it has the raw control power in pitch, roll, and yaw maneuvers to meet the Army’s Level 1 Handling Qualities requirements, which is the highest performance standard for agility. This flight testing validates Bell’s engineering models and development processes to design, build, and test an air vehicle on an aggressive aircraft development schedule that meets Army performance requirements and delivers revolutionary capabilities to warfighters.

The Bell V-280 Valor Continues to Deliver Impressive Flight Test Results

«This latest flight milestone proves that the V-280 Valor tiltrotor delivers first-rate handling for pilots during low-speed maneuvers without sacrificing speed, range or payload that the military needs for multi-domain operations. Bell and Team Valor continue to prove that the Army-led JMR TD program has been successful in rapidly maturing new technologies to support accelerated acquisition of the FLRAA», said Ryan Ehinger, V-280 program manager at Bell

For pilots, this achievement provides additional proof that the V-280 will have unprecedented agility on the objective (at the «X») for operational effectiveness. The aircraft’s digital flight controls and performance-driven design increases mission effectiveness by providing a high level of agility, reducing pilot workload, and enhancing flight safety on the objective in all weather conditions and degraded visual environments.

As the JMR TD period of performance winds down, Bell and Team Valor continue to expand the flight envelope and demonstrate new capabilities to prove out the V-280 Valor’s key technologies and reduce the risk for Future Vertical Lift programs.

These milestones continue to demonstrate that the V-280 Valor is ready and that the Future of Vertical Lift is now.

The latest flight statistics include:

  • Forward flight over 300 knots/345 mph/555 km/h true airspeed;
  • Over 110 hours of flight and more than 225 rotor turn hours;
  • >50-degree banked turns;
  • 4,500 feet/1,372 m per minute rate of climb and sustained flight at 11,500 feet/3,505 m altitude;
  • Single flight ferry of over 321.5 NM/370 miles/595.5 km;
  • Demonstrated Level 1 low-speed agility with fly-by-wire controls;
  • In-flight transitions between cruise mode and vertical takeoff and landing.

Bell V-280 Valor – Low-Speed Agility

Air Force

Jamaica Defence

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced on August 14, 2018 the delivery of two Bell 429s to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). A third Bell 429 is scheduled for delivery to the JDF next year. The three aircraft will be used to complete a range of missions including, search and rescue, medical evacuations, natural disaster relief, national security and military training.

Bell Announces Delivery of Bell 429S to Jamaica Defence Force
Bell Announces Delivery of Bell 429S to Jamaica Defence Force

The JDF began its helicopter operations in 1963 with two Bell 47Gs. Its active fleet includes four Bell 407s, two Bell 412s and two Bell 206s.

«Over the years, our mission has evolved resulting in the need to acquire the Bell 429 to more effectively meet the demands of our mission profiles and further prove our rotary wing capability», said Colonel Roderick Williams, the JDF’s Colonel Adjutant Quartermaster and a former Commanding Officer of the JDF Air Wing. «The Bell 429 offers excellent performance and advanced avionics with outstanding maintainability and aircraft readiness for multi-mission operations».

Designed with the future in mind, the Bell 429 meets or exceeds today’s airworthiness requirements to enhance occupant safety, with the adaptability to remain at the forefront as mission requirements evolve. Advanced capabilities of the 429 include Single-Pilot Instrument Flight Rules (SPIFR), Category A operations and an integrated avionics glass cockpit. The use of metallic and composite parts in its construction creates balance between rigidity and flexibility, safety and durability.

Air

First Flight

On December 18, 2017, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced that its V-280 Valor has achieved first flight. The V-280 Valor is a next-generation tiltrotor that is designed to provide unmatched agility, speed, range and payload capabilities at an affordable cost. This milestone represents exceptional progress on the V-280 development program and brings Bell Helicopter one step closer to creating the next generation of vertical lift aircraft for the U.S. military.

Bell V-280 Valor Achieves First Flight
Bell V-280 Valor Achieves First Flight

«This is an exciting time for Bell Helicopter, and I could not be more proud of the progress we have made with first flight of the Bell V-280», says Mitch Snyder, President & CEO for Bell Helicopter. «First flight demonstrates our commitment to supporting Department of Defense leadership’s modernization priorities and acquisition reform initiatives. The Valor is designed to revolutionize vertical lift for the U.S. Army and represents a transformational aircraft for all the challenging missions our armed forces are asked to undertake».

«We are thrilled to share in this success of the V-280 first flight with Team Valor», added Snyder. «The V-280 intends to completely transform what is possible for the military when it comes to battle planning and forward operations».

The Bell V-280 Valor program is part of the Joint Multi Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) initiative. The JMR-TD program is the science and technology precursor to the Department of Defense’s Future Vertical Lift program. The V-280 program brings together the engineering resources and industrial capabilities of Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, General Electric (GE), Moog, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), TRU Simulation & Training, Astronics, Eaton, GKN Aerospace, Lord, Meggitt and Spirit AeroSystems – collectively referred to as Team Valor.

The Bell V-280 Valor is postured to provide the U.S. Army with the highest levels of maturity and technical readiness. The aircraft is designed to provide the best value in procurement, operations and support, and force structure, while delivering desired leap-ahead performance capabilities with increased maintainability, reliability and affordability to the Department of Defense (DoD). With twice the speed and range of conventional helicopters, the Valor is designed to offer maneuver commanders unmatched operational agility to self-deploy and perform a multitude of vertical lift missions currently unachievable in one aircraft. The Bell V-280 is a combat force multiplier with superior performance, payload, survivability, and reliability to give the warfighter the decisive advantage.

 

Operational Viability:

  • Reduced downwash to facilitate fast rope and hoist ops;
  • Landing Zone = UH-60/UH-1Y comparable;
  • 12˚ slope landings;
  • Enhanced situational awareness & sensing in cockpit/cabin;
  • More medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) options during the golden hour;
  • Pilotage Distributed Aperture Sensor (Degraded Visual Environment enabler);
  • Scalability;
  • Fixed engines maximize cabin ingress/egress clearance.

 

Affordability:

  • 2 × productivity at comparable cost of AH-64E/Spec Ops UH-60;
  • Reduced complexity & cost;
  • Increased performance & manufacturability;
  • Unprecedented variant commonality;
  • Reliable, Line-Replaceable Unit (LRU) based, field maintainable aircraft;
  • Reduced sustainment costs.

 

Specifications

SPEEDS
Speed 280 Knots True AirSpeed (KTAS)/322 mph/518 km/h
RANGE
Combat Range 500-800 NM/575-921 miles/926-1,481 km
Strategically Self-Deployable 2,100+ NM/2,417 miles/3,889 km Range
CAPACITIES
Troop Capacity Crew of 4 and 14 troops
Useful Load 12,000+ lbs/5,443+ kg
Sling load 10,500 lbs/4,763 kg
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Situational Awareness Enhanced situational awareness and sensing technologies
Flight Control System Triple redundant fly-by-wire
Hover Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) Achieves 6k/95F
Ingress/Egress Two 6′ wide large side doors for ease of rapid ingress/egress
Landing Gear Conventional, retractable landing gear

 

Bell Helicopter announced that its V-280 Valor has achieved first flight

Air

100% Completion

The Bell V-280 Valor has achieved 100% build completion and moved one step closer to its first flight this fall. The V-280 is the newest revolutionary aircraft in the tiltrotor family. The V-280 Valor was selected in August 2014 to advance, build and fly an aircraft within the Joint Multi Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) program.

Bell Helicopter has completed assembly of its new tilt-rotor, the V-280 Valor, at its plant in Amarillo, Texas. It is due to make its first flight during the fall (Bell photo)
Bell Helicopter has completed assembly of its new tilt-rotor, the V-280 Valor, at its plant in Amarillo, Texas. It is due to make its first flight during the fall (Bell photo)

The V-280 has been designed to provide our military with the speed, range and operational productivity needed to complete any mission successfully and outmatch every opponent. New innovations incorporated in the V-280 include stationary nacelles, which increases the ease of aircraft maintenance and safety of the ingress and egress. The newest tiltrotor offers fixed-wing high speed performance and low speed agility, giving soldiers and operators the option to select the best pace and maneuverability for their mission.

Air Force

Viper in Romania

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with IAR – Ghimbav Brasov Group, a leading company in the Romanian defense and aerospace industry.

Romanian aerospace manufacturer will engage with American manufacturer to discuss potential collaboration on AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter
Romanian aerospace manufacturer will engage with American manufacturer to discuss potential collaboration on AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter

«Bell Helicopter is a strong global partner and we are pleased to have this opportunity», said Ion Dumitrescu, general director of IAR – Ghimbav Brasov. «We look forward to exploring different avenues of cooperation on one of the most capable platforms in the world».

IAR – Ghimbav Brasov specializes in aeronautical structures and electrical work, with a special emphasis on MRO capabilities for helicopters. The company has been in operation for more than eight decades and is well positioned to provide support for the AH-1Z «Viper» attack helicopter should it be purchased by the Romanian government.

«We are excited about potential collaboration with a company as well regarded as IAR – Ghimbav Brasov. Their talented engineers and specialists make them a leader in the Romanian defense industry», said Lisa Atherton, Bell Helicopter executive vice president of Military Business. «The potential for the AH-1Z Viper in Romania is exciting, and the AH-1Z should be a very strong candidate in addressing the Romanian government’s need for an advanced, reliable platform for security and defense».

NATO guidelines published in 2015 encourage member nations to dedicate 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for defense spending. The goal is to modernize equipment and enhance capabilities in order to more effectively contribute to national and regional defense. Many governments in Eastern Europe are increasing defense spending to better support the goal of defensive strength and deterrence in response to increasing regional threats. The government of Romania continues to commit funding and resources to help meet the NATO threshold, and expect to exceed their current 1.7% defense spending level in the coming years.

The AH-1Z Viper is the most advanced anti-tank attack helicopter in production.  It is designed in partnership with the United States Marine Corps and carries the widest range of precision weapons and most advanced sensors available. The Viper has a combat radius greater than 149 miles/240 km when carrying 16 Hellfire missiles, 2 AIM-9’s, and 650 20-mm rounds. The Viper offers more capability than other available attack platforms with lower acquisition, maintenance and life-cycle costs.

Air Force

Vigilant tiltrotor

Speaking before an audience of aviation and military experts assembled at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, unveiled the Bell V-247 Vigilant tiltrotor on September 22.

The modular payload system is designed to accommodate a variety of packages. The V-247 Vigilant can be armed with air-to-ground missiles and other precision munitions. An Elector Optical System and Targeting System provide superior target identification and designation
The modular payload system is designed to accommodate a variety of packages. The V-247 Vigilant can be armed with air-to-ground missiles and other precision munitions. An Elector Optical System and Targeting System provide superior target identification and designation

The Bell V-247 tiltrotor is an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) that will combine the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft. The revolutionary UAS is designed to provide unmatched long-endurance persistent expeditionary and surveillance capability and lethal reach, as well as runway independence to operate successfully in maritime environments and locations without secure runway availability.

The Bell V-247 Vigilant satisfies the comprehensive spectrum of capabilities outlined in the 2016 Marine Corps Aviation Plan, and could be available for production as early as 2023. The Bell V-247 Vigilant is a solution designed to address the evolving demands of the military and transportation sectors for unmanned aircraft for a shipborne UAS platform, including:

  • The ability to operate successfully without a runway, such as in maritime environments;
  • Seamless performance in locations without secure runway availability, such as at shrinking land bases in contested areas;
  • Significant reduction of the logistical footprint while retaining the superior operational performance by combining the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft;
  • The capacity to control the battle space effectively with 24-hour intelligence provided by unmatched long-endurance persistent expeditionary and surveillance capability.
The V-247 Vigilant tiltrotor can perform day or night as a picket, providing an extended line for sea or land-based assets and giving advanced warning to commanders, and can likewise be armed due to the platform’s air-to-air missile capability. Modular radar and sensor payloads extend the eyes of the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), providing advanced warning of incoming threats
The V-247 Vigilant tiltrotor can perform day or night as a picket, providing an extended line for sea or land-based assets and giving advanced warning to commanders, and can likewise be armed due to the platform’s air-to-air missile capability. Modular radar and sensor payloads extend the eyes of the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), providing advanced warning of incoming threats

A Group 5 UAS, the Bell V-247 Vigilant is designed to combine unparalleled capability with unprecedented flexibility to execute a wide array of mission sets, including electronic warfare, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), escort, Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4), persistent fire missions and tactical distribution. The UAS is expected to accomplish all of this with the benefits of extended endurance through plug-and-play mission packages.

«The Bell V-247 Vigilant is the next leap in innovation making the future of aviation a reality today – it’s a testament to the power and versatility of tiltrotor flight», said Mitch Snyder, president and CEO at Bell Helicopter. «At Bell Helicopter, we are constantly challenging the traditional notion of what it means to fly by staying on the leading edge of aviation and technological development. The unmanned tiltrotor is the latest example of how we are changing the way the world flies, taking our customers into the dynamic world of next-generation aircraft».

The Bell V-247 Vigilant’s design boasts a number of unrivaled capabilities and transformational features, including:

  • A sea-based platform, which can be sized for compatibility with DDG guided missile destroyers shipboard applications;
  • Single engine tiltrotor unmanned aerial system;
  • 24-hour persistent ISR with a two aircraft system;
  • Speed: 250 knots/288 mph/463 km/h cruise speed; 180 knots/207 mph/333 km/h endurance speed; >300 knots/345 mph/555 km/h at maximum continuous power;
  • Combat range: 450 nautical miles/518 miles/833 km mission radius;
  • Time on station: 11 hours;
  • Size: 16,000 pounds/7,257 kg empty weight/29,500 pounds/13,381 kg max gross weight; 65-feet/19.8 m wing span; 30-feet/9.1 m rotor diameter;
  • As it sits on the deck, the V-247 Vigilant can hold a combination of fuel, armament, and sensors, up to 13,000 pounds/5,897 kg;
  • Blade Fold Wing Stow makes V-247 Vigilant DDG hangar compatible;
  • Expeditionary capability with small logistical footprint;
  • Open architecture and interfaces;
  • Air-to-air refueling;
  • Modular payload system to provide maximum flexibility;
  • Power distribution system to provide maximum mission capability;
  • Redundant flight control system;
  • Electro Optical System and Targeting System.
The Bell V-247 Vigilant can accompany any asset into contested territory, providing protection, early warning, or interdiction. Autonomous flight capability provides added flexibility to the escorted crew chief, allowing for the re-tasking of ISR sensors
The Bell V-247 Vigilant can accompany any asset into contested territory, providing protection, early warning, or interdiction. Autonomous flight capability provides added flexibility to the escorted crew chief, allowing for the re-tasking of ISR sensors

The Bell V-247 Vigilant offers a dynamic profile that is uniquely suited to complete highly versatile operations and support missions. It is designed to provide extended range flying from land or ship, matchless expeditionary capabilities and to remain on-station with heightened loiter times for extended periods. With its signature blade fold wing stow design, it will fit inside a DDG hangar space, and two can be loaded on a C-17 aircraft. The open architecture of the modular payload system enhances flexibility for aircraft customization by mission type. The bays on the Bell V-247 Vigilant are designed to carry high definition sensors, fuel, sonar buoys, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) modules, 360-degree surface radar modules, an MK-50 torpedo or Hellfire or Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) missiles optimally. Regardless of the need, the Bell V-247 Vigilant easily integrates into priority mission sets to complete multiple airborne requirements.

«Leveraging lessons learned from our extensive history and experience with tiltrotors, we have found the best available solution to fulfill the Marine Corps need for a Group 5 UAS», said Vince Tobin, vice president, advanced tiltrotor systems at Bell Helicopter. «The Bell V-247 Vigilant will give military customers the capabilities needed to reduce the complexity of deployment, increase speed of employment, reduce mission times and increase response time – all critical elements to completing missions to save lives and protect our freedom».

Bell Helicopter utilized its decades of applied tiltrotor experience to develop this next generation UAS. The Bell V-247 Vigilant design and capabilities bring to bear experience from the V-22 tiltrotor program and UH-1Y/AH-1Z programs, capturing the V-280 Valor’s unmatched design and performance standards in order to provide unparalleled competency to support ship-board compatibility.

The extended loiter time of the V-247 Vigilant enables revisit rates necessary to satisfy ISR/ Electronic Warfare (EW) needs. The significant internal payload capacity in excess of 2,000 lbs/907 kg provides flexibility to operators to quickly trade out different mission packages
The extended loiter time of the V-247 Vigilant enables revisit rates necessary to satisfy ISR/ Electronic Warfare (EW) needs. The significant internal payload capacity in excess of 2,000 lbs/907 kg provides flexibility to operators to quickly trade out different mission packages

 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SPEED
Long Range Cruise 240 knots/276 mph/444.5 km/h
Cruise at Maximum Continuous Power >300 knots/345 mph/555 km/h
Best Endurance 178 knots/205 mph/330 km/h
PAYLOAD
Internal Mission 2,000 lbs/907 kg
Sling Load 9,000 lbs/4,082 kg
PERFORMANCE
>11 hours Time On Stations with 600 lbs/272 kg of Mission Payload at 450 NM/518 miles/833 km Mission Radius
Up to 1400 NM/1,611 miles/2,593 km Mission Radius or 17 hours Time On Station
Service ceiling 25,000 feet/7,620 m
OPERATIONAL VIABILITY
Superior range and speed to provide escort capability for the V-22 or V-280
24 hour Persistent ISR with a Two Aircraft System
Open Architecture Modular Payload System
DDG Shipboard Compatible
Retractable tricycle landing gear
Footprint equivalent to UH-1Y when folded
Aerial Refuel Capable
The Bell V-247 Vigilant unmanned system will combine unparalleled capability with unprecedented flexibility to execute a wide array of missions, including ISR, escort, or persistent fire missions – all with the benefits of extended endurance with modular mission packages
The Bell V-247 Vigilant unmanned system will combine unparalleled capability with unprecedented flexibility to execute a wide array of missions, including ISR, escort, or persistent fire missions – all with the benefits of extended endurance with modular mission packages
Air

Bell completes Valor

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, has successfully joined the V-280 Joint Multi Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) wing and nacelles to the aircraft fuselage. The milestone occurred last week at the company’s aircraft assembly center in Amarillo, Texas.

Bell Helicopter completes successful V-280 Valor wing and fuselage mate
Bell Helicopter completes successful V-280 Valor wing and fuselage mate

«The V-280 wing, nacelles and fuselage are now assembled into the aircraft we’ve designed as the next generation tiltrotor», said Lisa Atherton, executive vice president of Military Business Development for Bell Helicopter. «This is a major milestone. The attention to detail from our employees, our suppliers and from all of Team Valor, today and throughout this entire process, has been astounding. Their efforts have resulted in an aircraft that is coming together quickly and according to schedule. We are excited and counting down to the first flight in 2017».

The V-280 Valor is a next-generation tiltrotor that is designed to provide unmatched agility, speed, range, and payload capabilities at an affordable cost. The V-280’s tiltrotor technology converts Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability into a tactical, operational and strategic advantage. The revolutionary aircraft capitalizes on the more than 300,000 V-22 fleet flight hours, and leverages Bell Helicopter’s decades of tiltrotor experience.

Once the aircraft achieves a successful first flight in September 2017, program leaders are confident Bell Helicopter will have the data required to go into the full scale Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) phase.

«The V-280 tiltrotor is designed with technology advancements that significantly reduce risk and cost, allowing the Department of Defense to field Future Vertical Lift (FVL) to the warfighter far earlier than previously anticipated. We have improved the manufacturing processes to arrive at a revolutionary aircraft with reduced sustainment costs and simplified maintenance procedures. This technology will provide the Department of Defense with the overmatch requirements to win in a complex world», said Atherton.

The V-280 has an anticipated cruise speed of 280 KTAS/322 mph/518 km/h, with a 500-800 NM/575-921 miles/926-1,481 km combat range and 11 to 14 operators. The Valor benefits from a flexible design, matching multi-mission versatility with exceptional 6K/95 hover performance. Tiltrotor is the only vertical lift technology which can rapidly self-deploy to any theater, and can cover more than five times the area of current MEDEVAC platforms. The V-280 provides the low-speed hover agility of a helicopter with fixed wing range and efficiencies.

In the coming weeks and months work on the V-280 will involve preparing for verification work leading to a tethered power-up at the Bell Helicopter facility in Amarillo in the first half of 2017. Development continues in the company’s flight control systems lab in Fort Worth. The lab integrates pilot inputs with flight control computers and flight controls, providing data for software that works with the hardware controlling flight loads and hydraulic performance. The T64-GE-419 engines and gearboxes are expected to be installed in the nacelles this November.

Next generation tiltrotor progressing, on track for 2017 first flight
Next generation tiltrotor progressing, on track for 2017 first flight
Air Force

First Fuselage

Spirit AeroSystems Inc. announced it has completed the first fuselage to Bell Helicopter for the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) program. The unit was designed and assembled in Spirit’s rapid prototyping facility in Wichita, Kansas, in just 22 months. The composite fuselage is being prepped to ship to Bell’s Amarillo, Texas, facility for final assembly.

Spirit AeroSystems completes first fuselage for Bell V-280 Valor
Spirit AeroSystems completes first fuselage for Bell V-280 Valor

«Delivering a fuselage from design to completion in 22 months is an amazing accomplishment», said Spirit President and CEO Larry Lawson. «Spirit’s unique capability to design, build and deliver with the highest quality and lowest possible cost make us a great partner on revolutionary programs like the Bell V-280».

The U.S. Army-led JMR-TD program is the science and technology precursor to the Department of Defense’s Future Vertical Lift program, with the goal to replace 2,000 to 4,000 medium-class utility and attack helicopters. The V-280 Valor is Bell Helicopter’s offering for the JMR-TD program. A next generation tiltrotor, the Bell V-280 Valor advanced technology tiltrotor provides unmatched speed, range and payload for expeditionary maneuver to win in a complex world.

«Spirit AeroSystems is proud to be an investing member of Team Valor with 10 other premier aerospace companies. Together we are helping the Department of Defense inform requirements and reduce risk on a new development program while at the same time providing the capabilities to win on the battlefield», said Phil Anderson, Spirit senior vice president of Spirit Defense.

The V-280 is scheduled to make its first flight in the second half of 2017.

Completion of the first fuselage for Bell’s future V-280 Valor tiltrotor was marked by a short ceremony at Spirit AeroSystems’ plant in Wichita, Kansas (Spirit photo)
Completion of the first fuselage for Bell’s future V-280 Valor tiltrotor was marked by a short ceremony at Spirit AeroSystems’ plant in Wichita, Kansas (Spirit photo)

 

Facts

Speed: 280 KTAS/322 mph/518 km/h

Combat Range: 500-800 NM/575-920 miles/926-1,481 km

Strategically Self-Deployable: 2,100+ NM/2,416.5+ miles/3,889+ km Range

High/Hot 6k/95F Hover Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) Performance

Carries crew of four and 14 troops

Useful load of 12,000+ lbs/5,443+ kg

Triple redundant fly-by-wire flight control system

Conventional, retractable landing gear

Two 6’ wide large side doors for ease of rapid ingress/egress

Enhanced situational awareness and sensing technologies

Advanced tiltrotor to offer significant capabilities increase in speed, range and access
Advanced tiltrotor to offer significant capabilities increase in speed, range and access
Air Force

Five MV-22s in Japan

Bell Boeing, a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter, a Textron company, and Boeing, was awarded a U.S. Navy contract for five Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to be delivered to Japan, marking the first sale of the aircraft through the U.S. government’s foreign military sales program. The contract for the Block C aircraft (the first five of up to 17 MV-22 Ospreys) includes support, training, and equipment. The versatile V-22 tiltrotor will allow Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force greatly enhanced capabilities, while providing an ideal platform for relief efforts in response to natural disasters.

U.S. Marines inspect an MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft after landing on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH-181) during amphibious exercise Dawn Blitz 2014
U.S. Marines inspect an MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft after landing on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH-181) during amphibious exercise Dawn Blitz 2014

«The Bell Boeing team is honored to have Japan as the first international customer for the V-22 tiltrotor», said Mitch Snyder, executive vice president of Military Business for Bell Helicopter. «The distinct performance envelope of the V-22 will provide Japan with an ideal solution when the need arises. When assets are required on-target in a location without an airstrip, the self-deployable Osprey provides customers with an unrivaled combination of speed, range, and payload to execute a variety of missions».

The V-22 is currently in service with the United States Marine Corps (MV-22) and the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (СМ-22). This year, the United States Navy announced their decision to procure 44 V-22 aircraft.

At twice the speed of a helicopter, the Osprey carries 24 combat troops, or up to 20,000 pounds/9,072 kg of internal cargo or 15,000 pounds/6,804 kg of external cargo. Its cargo bay can accommodate nine litters with medical personnel and equipment
At twice the speed of a helicopter, the Osprey carries 24 combat troops, or up to 20,000 pounds/9,072 kg of internal cargo or 15,000 pounds/6,804 kg of external cargo. Its cargo bay can accommodate nine litters with medical personnel and equipment

«This is an important day for the Bell Boeing team in Japan and for the U.S.-Japan Alliance», said Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft. «The V-22 redefines what’s operationally possible for a country, and we’re looking forward to delivering this capability to Japan as we continue our enduring partnership there».

The Osprey’s mission capabilities include troop transport, disaster relief, personnel recovery, medical evacuation, logistics support, and executive transport.

Under the current program of record, the U.S. Marine Corps will purchase 360 MV-22s for missions including amphibious assault, ship-to-objective maneuvers and sustained operations ashore
Under the current program of record, the U.S. Marine Corps will purchase 360 MV-22s for missions including amphibious assault, ship-to-objective maneuvers and sustained operations ashore

 

General Characteristics

Dimensions
Length Fuselage: 57.3 feet/17.46 m
Stowed: 63.0 feet/19.20 m
Width Rotors turning: 84.6 feet/25.78 m
Stowed: 18.4 feet/5.61 m
Height Nacelles vertical: 22.1 feet/6.73 m
Stabilizer: 17.9 feet/5.46 m
Rotor Diameter 38.1 feet/11.6 m
Performance @ 47,000 lbs/21,318.8 kg
Maximum Cruise Speed, Sea Level (SL) 270 knots/311 mph/500 km/h
Maximum Rate of Climb (RC), A/P mode SL 4,100 feet per minute/1,250 m/min
Service Ceiling, ISA* 24,000 feet/7,315 m
OEI** Service Ceiling, ISA* 9,500 feet/2,896 m
HOGE*** Ceiling, ISA* 5,700 feet/1,737 m
Mission Radius 428 NM/492 miles/793 km – MV-22 Block C with 24 troops, ramp mounted weapon system, SL STD, 20 min loiter time
Weights
Take-Off, Vertical, Maximum 52,600 lbs/23,859 kg
Take-Off, Short, Maximum 57,000 lbs/25,855 kg
Take-Off, Self-Deploy 60,500 lbs/27,443 kg
Cargo Hook, Single 10,000 lbs/4,536 kg
Cargo Hook, Dual Capability 12,500 lbs/5,670 kg
Fuel Capacity
MV-22 1,721 Gal/6,513 L
CV-22 2025 Gal/7,667 L
Engines
Model AE1107C (Rolls-Royce Liberty)
AEO**** VTOL***** normal power 6,150 shp/4,586 kW
Crew
Cockpit – crew seats 2 MV-22/3 CV-22
Cabin – crew seat/troop seats 1/24

* International Standard Atmosphere

** One Engine Inoperative

*** Hover Ceiling Out of Ground Effect

**** All Engines Operating

***** Vertical Take-Off and Landing

The U.S. Navy is also slated to get 48 MV-22s, which could be used for fleet logistic support and search and rescue
The U.S. Navy is also slated to get 48 MV-22s, which could be used for fleet logistic support and search and rescue

The Air Force Special Operations Command acquired 50 CV-22 variants, with enhanced capabilities tailored for their unique mission requirements. The CV-22 reached initial operational capability in 2009, while the Marines’ variant deployed in late 2007