Bell V-280 Valor
Bell Textron · United States · first flew 2017 · transport aircraft
The V-280 Valor is Bell's third-generation tiltrotor, designed to combine helicopter agility with fixed-wing cruise speed for the US Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft competition.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 15.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | V-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tiltrotor with fixed engine nacelles — only the proprotors tilt, not the entire nacelle
- V-shaped tail distinguishes it from all other tiltrotors at a glance
- High-set mid wing with large three-blade proprotors at each tip
The V-tail and large three-blade proprotors are immediately distinctive. Unlike the V-22 Osprey, the nacelles do not rotate — only the proprotors tilt — giving it a cleaner, less cluttered appearance in cruise mode.
Specifications
- The Bell V-280 Valor has a length of 15.5 m (51 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.5 m (54 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 560 km/h (348 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 pilots, up to 14 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Bell flew the V-280 prototype in December 2017 and conducted an extensive flight test campaign through 2022. The US Army awarded Bell a contract in December 2022 to develop the production version, designated SB>1 competitor defeated, under the FLRAA programme. Its key innovation is a fixed-nacelle design — the engines remain stationary while only the rotor shafts and proprotors tilt forward.
Variants
Currently exists as a single demonstrator prototype. The production FLRAA variant will be developed as a replacement for the UH-60 Black Hawk.
Where you'll see it
Not yet in operational service as of mid-2026; the production programme is underway with initial deliveries anticipated in the early 2030s.
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