Bell V-280 Valor
The Bell V-280 Valor is a next-generation tiltrotor that combines helicopter-style vertical takeoff with fixed-wing cruise speed. Unlike the V-22, only its rotors and gearboxes tilt while the engines remain fixed, simplifying the design. The V-280 flew in 2017 and won the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft competition in 2022. Its selection makes it the planned successor to the UH-60 Black Hawk, although operational aircraft are still rare.
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Did you know?
Unlike the V-22, the V-280 Valor tilts only its rotors and gearboxes while the engines stay fixed, simplifying the design.
Specifications
| Length | 15.4 m (51 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 25.8 m (85 ft) |
| Height | 7.3 m (24 ft) |
| Rotor diameter | 10.7 m (35 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 14 |
| Crew | 4 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 26 t |
| Range | 2,100 NM (3,889 km) |
| Maximum speed | 280 kt (519 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 6,000 ft (1,829 m) |
| Engines | 2x General Electric T64 |
| Units built | 1 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Bell V-280 Valor starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Bell, the V-280 Valor family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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