The US Army-led Joint Multi-Role Demonstrator (JMR-TD) programme is the science and technology (S&T) precursor to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Future Vertical Lift programme expected to replace 2,000 to 4,000 medium-class utility and attack helicopters. The US Army and DoD are seeking leap-ahead capabilities and have identified a speed of 230+ knots as a key discriminating capability. The US Army’s current helicopter fleet cruises at 140 knots.
In April 2013, Bell Helicopter, a dvision of Textron, revealed its offering – the Bell V-280 VALOR, a third generation tiltrotor for the JMR-TD programme. Accoding to Bell, the Bell V-280’s, "unmatched , speed, range and payload, operational agility, and low speed maneuverability provide transformational reach and revolutionary capability."
In August 2014, the JMR-TD government team selected Bell Helicopter to build and fly the V-280 VALOR as part of the demonstration programme. Bell Helicopter and Team Valor are focused on building and flying a trusted, affordable and effective aircraft, and the team is on track for first flight in 2017. The other team members are: Lockheed Martin (cockpit, avionics, distributed aperture system, mission equipment package [MEP]), MOOG (flight control computer and actuators), GE (engines), GKN Aerospace (V-Tails and control surface), Spirit Aerosystems (fuselage), EATON (hydraulic system), Meggitt (fuel system), Astronics ( electronic system), TRU (simulation and training), LORD (elastomerics), and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI - nacelle structures and aircraft seats). On the other side of the bidder table is Sikorsky teaming up with Boeing.
The V-280 should reach a max. speed of 280kn and have its first flight in 2017 with a decision by 2019 and milestone C should be reached by 2030.
At SO/LIC Bell is also showing a weaponised version (as a model). This is using HELLFIRE rockets on both sides (24 in all) and a front gun. But it will be open for other weapon options and Bell is looking right know at the option of an inside gun. There are altogether three versions planned: An attack, a MedEvac, and a utility helicopter.
The V-280 should not only offer a much higher speed, but also a range that is twice as far.
The Bell V-280 VALOR builds upon proven tiltrotor technology to deliver unmatched speed, range and payload with the agility to perform a multitude of missions un-achievable with today’s conventional helicopter. Its clean-sheet design reduces complexity and improves reliability, maintainability and sustainability while reducing total ownerships costs.
The Bell V-280 is a combat force multiplier with superior performance, survivability, and reliability to give the soldier the decisive advantage. The Bell V-280 VALOR will deliver a number of transformational features and capabilities including:
In April 2013, Bell Helicopter, a dvision of Textron, revealed its offering – the Bell V-280 VALOR, a third generation tiltrotor for the JMR-TD programme. Accoding to Bell, the Bell V-280’s, "unmatched , speed, range and payload, operational agility, and low speed maneuverability provide transformational reach and revolutionary capability."
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| Bell Helicopter's V-280 VALOR. |
The V-280 should reach a max. speed of 280kn and have its first flight in 2017 with a decision by 2019 and milestone C should be reached by 2030.
At SO/LIC Bell is also showing a weaponised version (as a model). This is using HELLFIRE rockets on both sides (24 in all) and a front gun. But it will be open for other weapon options and Bell is looking right know at the option of an inside gun. There are altogether three versions planned: An attack, a MedEvac, and a utility helicopter.
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| BELL V-280 MEDEVAC |
The V-280 should not only offer a much higher speed, but also a range that is twice as far.
The Bell V-280 VALOR builds upon proven tiltrotor technology to deliver unmatched speed, range and payload with the agility to perform a multitude of missions un-achievable with today’s conventional helicopter. Its clean-sheet design reduces complexity and improves reliability, maintainability and sustainability while reducing total ownerships costs.
The Bell V-280 is a combat force multiplier with superior performance, survivability, and reliability to give the soldier the decisive advantage. The Bell V-280 VALOR will deliver a number of transformational features and capabilities including:
- Speed: 280 KTAS
- Combat Range: 500-800nm
- Strategically Self-Deployable – 2100+nm Range
- Achieves 6k/95F Hover Out of Ground Effect (HOGE)
- Carries crew of four and 14 troops
- Useful load of 12,000+ lbs
- 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
Andre Forkert