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 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.

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