Spirit Aerosystem begin major assembly of Bell V-280 tiltrotor

Spirit Aerosystems has begun major fuselage assembly of the first Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor helicopter. The delivery of the first V-...

Spirit Aerosystems has begun major fuselage assembly of the first Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor helicopter.

The delivery of the first V-280 fuselage to the Bell Helicopter facility in Amarillo, Texas, is expected later this year. First flight of the V-280 Technology Demonstrator is anticipated in the second half of 2017.

With more than twice the speed and twice the range of current helicopter platforms, the Bell V-280 is designed to provide combatant commanders with the ability to reach the battlefield while providing superior low-speed agility at the objective. The efficient speed and reduced reaction time provided by the V-280 will allow operators to outmaneuver their adversaries.

The tiltrotor’s speed, range and payload significantly reduce logistical, security and medical footprints, freeing up personnel and additional combat power.

In August 2014, the U.S. Army-led Joint Multi-Role Demonstrator (JMR-TD) team selected Bell Helicopter to build and fly the V-280 Valor as part of the science and technology demonstration program precursor to the U.S Department of Defense’s Future Vertical Lift program expected to replace 2,000 to 4,000 medium-class utility and attack helicopters.

The U.S. Army and DoD are seeking leap-ahead capabilities and have identified a speed of 230+ knots as a key discriminating capability. The U.S. Army’s current helicopter fleet cruises at 140 knots.