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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 6, 2019 13:13:00 GMT 12
The latest Airplane Geeks episode features an interesting interview with the chief designer of Bell's new concept tilt rotor helicopter that they hope will be selected to replace the Blackhawk in US Army service. It's an odd looking thing but it sounds like it will be a very capable and high quality platform. Here's the Airplane Geeks episode www.airplanegeeks.com/2019/10/30/576-bell-v-280-valor/And here's a video of the Valor in action.
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Post by flyinkiwi on Nov 7, 2019 13:40:11 GMT 12
An interesting concept with applications that I think are relevant to the NZDF with respect to the significantly increased operational range over standard helicopters and the ability to self ferry within NZ's south pacific area of interest.
Bell are way ahead of their competitor Sikorsky-Boeing in this race as the SB-1 is only just starting to develop it's flight envelope. Having the experience of V-22 behind them has been a major factor in Bell's rapid development of the Valor.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 7, 2019 13:42:40 GMT 12
And the huge extra speed is a real advantage too which the Sikorsky wiil not match.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 7, 2019 13:43:26 GMT 12
I hate the name they chose though. It only works in the US.
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Post by ZacYates on Nov 7, 2019 20:18:04 GMT 12
I can only hope the US Army will give it a different official name if/when it's accepted.
I personally love the look of the V-280. I can't wait til someone produces a model kit of it.
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Post by flyinkiwi on Nov 8, 2019 13:47:42 GMT 12
I'd like to think the US Army will adopt another Native American tribal name as is their custom. I hope there are some cool sounding ones left.
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Post by ErrolC on Nov 8, 2019 14:05:18 GMT 12
I'd like to think the US Army will adopt another Native American tribal name as is their custom. I hope there are some cool sounding ones left. No reason to think not. There actually haven't been that many US Army-led helicopter programs. It seems Navajo is available, but they might not want confusion with the Piper PA-31. Cherokee has the bonus of association with 101st Airborne, but even more other uses. They get permission from the actual people, so that might be another filter.
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Post by senob on Nov 8, 2019 16:12:41 GMT 12
Hopefully they make it somewhat quieter than the Osprey. This is the competition, the Sikorsky Raider X. It's hit 200 knots. The Sikorsky Defiant
Boeing haven't released any details on their contender at all.
Karem readies optimum-speed tiltrotor for FVL - Link
AVX are offering a compound coaxial
So some interesting stuff.
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