The future success of US Army air assault rests with Bell’s V-280. It brings high-speed, long-range, and the capability to be upgraded throughout its operational service due to its digital architecture. The prospect of being able to operate at long distances over the sea will be a new avenue for army aviation

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell V-280 Valor - СШАUSA - 2017

First flying on December 18, 2017, the V-280 completed 214 flight hours over three years before being retired. It flew at least one test mission autonomously driven by computer algorithms. The platform’s software performed all the mission tasks of a routine no-combat mission without pilot input, although a pilot was onboard as a safety precaution
The V-280 Valor will offer increases in both speed and range compared to current medium-lift platforms in service. Several European nations have expressed interest beyond that of the US Army

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell V-280 Valor - СШАUSA - 2017

Bell points out that the V-280’s tiltrotor technology is a significant step beyond that of the V-22 Osprey. With the V-280 just the props and drive shaft tilt to achieve vertical flight, with the engines remaining in place and according to the OEM, this will significantly reduce maintenance on the platform

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell V-280 Valor - СШАUSA - 2017

During test flights, the V-280 Valor reached speeds of up to 305kts in level flight

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell V-280 Valor - СШАUSA - 2017

The speed and range of the V-280 will make it the ideal medevac platform for the US Army. Within the medical community, the first 60 minutes after a serious injury is called the ‘golden hour’ - FLRAA will be able to get the casualty to advanced medical care fast as it can operate at twice the speed of current UH-60s

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell V-280 Valor - СШАUSA - 2017

Bell has not been shy in advertising the V-280’s capabilities, mainly its range, often shown in overlays of the Pacific region. If a conflict does break out with China in the next decade, this may well prove to be a decisive factor for the US Army’s combat doctrine

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell V-280 Valor - СШАUSA - 2017

The US Marine Corps is interested in the concept and foresees the aircraft replacing its current fleet of utility and attack platforms. For the moment, however, Bell is focused on the US Army’s requirement, which may see the development of the so-called AV-280, a specialist attack derivative

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell V-280 Valor - СШАUSA - 2017