The V-280 Valor is a third-generation tilt-rotor vertical lift helicopter being designed by the US-based aircraft manufacturer, Bell Helicopter Textron. The helicopter is intended to meet the requirement of the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) programme supporting the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) programme of the US Army.
In April 2013 the V-280 Valor was launched at the Army Aviation Association of America's (AAAA) annual professional forum and exposition held at Fort Worth, US. The aircraft is designed to perform multiple missions such as attack and transport with enhanced speed, maximum reach, and greater payloads.
The V-280 Valor will offer greater control both at low speeds and high speeds efficiently. The helicopter is currently in design concept phase.
V-280 for the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) programme
The V-280 Valor helicopter has been selected for the JMR-TD Phase I programme in June 2013. The Sikorsky-Boeing team's coaxial-rotor compound helicopter was also chosen for the programme.
The phase one of the JMR-TD programme will include the development of the rotorcraft, while phase two will deliver mission systems for the FVL programme. The $100bn FVL programme is expected to replace about 2,000 to 4,000 medium-lift rotorcraft in service with the US Army.
The V-280 Valor helicopter was classified as a category I proposal, citing its ability to meet all the requirements of the US Army. The TD contracts are expected to be awarded in September 2013 and the flight testing is scheduled for 2017.
Design features of V-280 Valor helicopter
"The V-280 Valor will offer greater control both at low speeds and high speeds efficiently."
The V-280 Valor helicopter will integrate a clean sheet design with a V-tail configuration and fuselage of composite construction. The wings will be made of large cell carbon core.
The helicopter is designed to carry four crew members and 11 troops. It will feature two spacious 1.83m side doors for convenient entry and exit of armed forces. The aircraft will be fitted with a conventional retractable landing gear for better control during take-off and landing.
The V-280 helicopter will be equipped with triple redundant fly-by-wire flight control system for precision aircraft handling and better safety. The system helps to reduce the workload of pilots and weight of the aircraft while minimising the maintenance costs as compared to traditional flight control systems.
The aircraft will offer greater fuel efficiency resulting in smaller logistical footprint compared to other aircraft. The smaller logistical footprint helps to minimise the logistics support needed to move and maintain a warfighting force.
V-280 Valor helicopter engine
The power plant of the V-280 Valor helicopter will include two turbocraft engines coupled to three-bladed tiltrotor and drive units. The non-revolving and fixed engines will make the helicopter more stable during hover mode, and will provide better control.
"The aircraft will offer greater fuel efficiency resulting in smaller logistical footprint compared to other aircraft."
The engines will be placed at the tip of the helicopter wings. The helicopter will be able to operate with a single engine in the event of loss or damage of the other engine.
Performance of V-280 Valor
The V-280 Valor helicopter will have a maximum cruise speed of 518km/h. It will have a combat range of 500nm to 800nm. The helicopter will offer twice the speed as well as range of the existing vertical lift helicopters.
It will be capable of operating at very hot temperatures of up to 95° and flying at an altitude of 6,000ft.
The helicopter will be a self deployable platform, unlike other helicopters requiring logistic support for shipping to area of operation. It can be strategically self-deployed to a range of 3,889km.
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