Bell pushes on with V-280
V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft. (Photo: Bell Textron)
Bell Textron confirmed on 24 June that it is advancing the V-280 Valor programme to meet Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) requirements for the US Army.
Having demonstrated the technical and operational characteristics of the tiltrotor aircraft, Bell and its Team Valor partners ‘are applying data-driven optimisations to deliver a reliable and sustainable long-range assault weapon system’ for the imminent programme of record competition, the company added.
The US Army is expected to release an RfP in Q3 2021. Team Valor faces competition from Boeing and Sikorsky, which are jointly offering the coaxial Defiant X.
Both teams received Competitive Design and Risk Reduction (CD&RR) Phase 2 awards on 31 March.
Bell stated that it is using CD&RR Phase 2 to provide initial preliminary designs for major subsystems and the conceptual weapons system, ‘based on data-proven performance that ensures transformational capabilities will be delivered in line with the Army’s schedule’.
A recently concluded three-year flight-test programme for the V-280 (including 15 sorties flown by US Army experimental test pilots) highlighted the aircraft’s low-speed agility, long-range cruise, 305kt high-speed flights and ‘rapid mission systems integration’, Bell claimed.
Additionally, Bell hosted Soldier Touchpoint events enabling critical feedback from pilots, mechanics, and infantry squads.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) [USA]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
-
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.