Bell V-280 Future Army lift prototype might be reaching 280 knot speed targets

The Bell V-280 Valor is a tiltrotor aircraft being developed by Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin for the United States Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program. The prototype reached 190 knots (352 km/h) in cruise mode with horizontal propellers on May, 2018.

A recent videos claim the V-280 has reached 280 knots of speed about 519 km per hour.

The V-280 is designed for a cruising speed of 280 knots (320 mph; 520 km/h) and a top speed of 300 knots (350 mph; 560 km/h), a range of 2,100 nautical miles (2,400 mi; 3,900 km), and an effective combat range of 500 to 800 nmi (580 to 920 mi; 930 to 1,480 km). Expected maximum takeoff weight is around 30,000 pounds (14,000 kg).

Competing Sikorsky–Boeing SB-1 Defiant prototype is nearing completion

The Sikorsky–Boeing SB-1 Defiant (“SB>1”) is the Sikorsky Aircraft and Boeing entry for the United States Army’s Future Vertical Lift program. A prototype is to be completed in 2018.

SB-1 Defiant will have a cruise speed of 250 knots (290 mph; 460 km/h). A new engine, the future affordable turbine engine (FATE) is to meet the range requirement of 264 miles (424 km).

20 thoughts on “Bell V-280 Future Army lift prototype might be reaching 280 knot speed targets”

  1. Bell Teamed with Lockheed for the electronics suite only. This teaming was done prior to the purchase of Sikorski.

  2. Bell Teamed with Lockheed for the electronics suite only. This teaming was done prior to the purchase of Sikorski.

  3. This is confusing. Lockheed Martin own’s Sikorsky. How is it that they’re involved with the Defiant and Valor projects together?

  4. This is confusing. Lockheed Martin own’s Sikorsky. How is it that they’re involved with the Defiant and Valor projects together?

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