Bell Helicopter [TXT said GE Aviation [GE] is now on the Bell V-280 Valor™ team–a third generation tiltrotor effort.
John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter, said: “GE is a world-leading engine provider, and we are pleased they have made the strategic decision to align interests and resources with us on the Bell V-280. Our combined rotorcraft expertise will ensure the highest levels of maturity and technical readiness for the U.S. Army.”
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| V-280 Valor(tm) Image: Bell Helicopter |
Jean Lydon-Rodgers, vice president and general manager, GE Aviation Military Systems Operation, said: “GE is proud to team with Bell on the V-280 Valor with a proven propulsion system to support this technology demonstration. GE continues to invest in next generation propulsion technology through the Future Affordable Turbine Engine (FATE) program. We look forward to providing the U.S. Army with exciting, advanced technologies for Future Vertical Lift leading to a robust, durable engine that delivers tremendous performance and superior fuel consumption while meeting aggressive cost targets.”
Additional members of Team Valor will be announced in coming weeks, the company said in an Oct. 16 statement.
The transformational features of Bell Helicopter’s third generation tiltrotor represent the most operationally effective aircraft for the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift requirements.
With increased maintainability and component and systems reliability, the Bell V-280 is designed to deliver the best value in procurement, operations and support, and force structure.
With more than twice the speed and range, the Bell V-280 Valor will offer commanders a combat maneuver platform with unmatched operational agility to self-deploy and perform a multitude of vertical lift missions that can’t be achieved with current aircraft.