The Bell V-280 Valor demonstrates low-speed agility manoeuvres

In early May 2019, Bell completed its final V-280 Valor tiltrotor key performance parameter (KPP) testing for the US Army’s Joint Multi-role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) programme by demonstrating low-speed agility manoeuvres.

The US Army wants to replace its Sikorsky UH-60 by 2030.

The flight tests have been performed at the Rick Husband Amarillo Airport site. They demonstrated that the V-280 Valor has the raw control power in pitch, roll, and yaw manoeuvres to meet the US Army’s Level 1 handling qualities requirements, which is the highest performance standard for agility. They validate Bell’s engineering models and development processes in respect with the planned schedule.