Officials from Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced this week that GE Aviation will team with Bell to provide engines for its V-280 Valor, a third generation tiltrotor, and GKN Aerospace will design, develop, and manufacture the rotorcraft’s V-tail aerostructure and ruddervators.
"We are very excited to welcome GE to Team Valor. 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," says John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter.
"GE is proud to team with Bell on the V-280 Valor with a proven propulsion system to support this technology demonstration," says Jean Lydon-Rodgers, vice president and general manager, GE Aviation Military Systems Operation. "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."
In a separate statement, Garrison says, "We are pleased to announce GKN Aerospace, a world leader in composite aerostructures, is aligning their interests and resources to join Team Valor and will provide the Bell V-280's signature V-tail."
Kevin Cummings, CEO, GKN Aerospace North America explains, "We are proud to play such an important role in the development of the V-280 Valor airframe that represents the next generation in vertical lift technology. We look forward to working alongside Bell Helicopter, bringing our expertise across metal and composite design and manufacture to bear to maximize the long-term operational effectiveness and reliability of this aircraft in service for the U.S. Army."
Team Valor is comprised of aerospace companies that bring engineering resources, capabilities, and critical thinking to meet the Army's needs. Additional team members will be announced in the coming weeks.
Moog and Lockheed Martin are previously announced partners with Bell on the V-280 Valor team.
With more than twice the speed and range, the Bell V-280 Valor is designed to offer commanders a combat maneuver platform with unmatched operational agility to self-deploy and perform a multitude of vertical lift missions unachievable with current aircraft.
Source: Bell Helicopter