Abstract:
Bell Helicopter's Team Valor concept for a next-generation tiltrotor is the V-280. Bell Helicopter is manufacturing the V-280 Air Vehicle Concept Demonstrator (AVCD) for the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) program under a Technology Investment Agreement (TIA) with the US Army. The V-280 AVCD is designed and built to provide revolutionary capability in vertical lift while meeting the affordability and mission performance needs of a Future Vertical Lift program of record. Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) for the V-280 include its 280 knot cruise speed, 6K 95°F high hot performance, exceptional low speed agility, and twice the range of comparable platforms it will replace. The V-280 is slated for first flight in 2017 and is currently in final assembly at Bell Helicopter's Amarillo test facility. The aircraft represents an ultra modern "design for manufacturing" approach that leverages cost advantages from recent Bell experience in commercial product development. The V-280 will revolutionize vertical lift capability for the armed services and bring affordability to the mission.