The V-280 prototype transitions between flight modes during a test flight. When configured for forward flight, the tiltrotor will be able to fly faster and manoeuvre like a fixed-wing aircraft. When configured for hovering, the Valor will have the same flight characteristics as a helicopter

This concept image provides an early glimpse of what multi-domain joint operations with both the 360 Invictus and V-280 Valor would look like in an operational combat environment. The former would be used to penetrate and weaken enemy air defences, while the latter would forward deploy ground forces and equipment into the battlespace

Bell seeks to beat stiff competition from Sikorsky with its proposed 360 Invictus solution for the US Army’s FARA requirements. The company shared the first images of its largely finished competitive prototype on July 12, 2022

Bell’s 360 Invictus will have a payload capacity of up to 1,400lb and will feature a forward-facing 20mm rotary cannon under the nose and two internal weapons bays. Munitions may also be equipped externally, via underwing hardpoints that are fitted to the aircraft’s lift-sharing wings. Armaments employed by the Invictus will be determined by the US Army, if the type is selected in the FARA competition

This digital rendering shows the 360 Invictus in flight. It highlights the design change Bell made to the platform’s tail rotor configuration. Initially, the type was to have a Fenestron tail rotor, but now it will feature a more traditional, open system, which will provide more efficiency and performance benefits for the helicopter