Bell V-280 Valor

The Bell V-280 Valor, a tiltrotor aircraft developed for the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program, was unveiled in 2013. Its inaugural flight took place in December 2017. On December 5, 2022, the U.S. Army chose the V-280 Valor to replace the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.

During the development phase, Bell partnered with Lockheed Martin for avionics, sensors, and weapons. The project received a technology investment agreement (TIA) in 2013, and the V-280 Valor was selected for the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) demonstration program in 2014.

The V-280 Valor features a tiltrotor design, offering versatility in infantry squad support. It exhibits helicopter-like agility during low-speed operations but is designed for faster and longer-range travel compared to traditional helicopters. Bell considers its potential for both military and commercial applications.

In a recent development on December 5, 2022, the V-280 Valor was preferred over the Sikorsky Defiant X in the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program. Despite Sikorsky filing a protest, the Government Accountability Office rejected it, affirming the advantages found in Bell’s submission. This decision marks a significant advancement in the modernization of the U.S. Army’s rotorcraft fleet.

View all recommended aviation tool kits for the Bell V-280 Valor helicopter below.