Bell Helicopter V-280 Valor Tiltrotor Ready For Ground Run

Bell Helicopter is preparing for initial ground run of its V-280 Valor after it achieved 100 percent build completion on the prototype aircraft.

This is a clean sheet tiltrotor, applying lessons learned from previous generations of tiltrotor to create groundbreaking simplicity and deliver transformational, affordable technology to alter the course of vertical flight, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

The Bell V-280 Valor design supports ground maneuver and is purpose built for the squad plus enablers. The design features integrated cabin armor, fly-by-wire component redundancy and countermeasures.

The design to build technology used on the V-280 Valor significantly enhances manufacturing, assembly, and sustainability, while greatly reducing the total cost of ownership. Advanced tiltrotor speed and range provides commanders access not currently available, the company states on its website.