Bell MV-75

In June 2013, Bell Helicopter announced that the V-280 Valor design had been selected by the US Army for the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) phase. The JMR-TD phase is the technology demonstration precursor to Future Vertical Lift (FVL). The Army classified the offering as a Category I proposal, meaning it is a well-conceived, scientifically or technically sound proposal pertinent to program goals and objectives with applicability to Army mission needs, offered by a responsible contractor with the competent scientific and technical staff supporting resources required to achieve results.Drwiega, Andrew. "The Generation Game" Air International January 2014, p. 106. Accessed: 17 June 2014. JMR-TD contracts were expected to be awarded in September 2013, with flights scheduled for 2017.{{Cite web |date=5 June 2013 |title=Bell V-280 Valor™ Selected for Army's JMR-TD Program |url=https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2013/Bell-V-280-Valor-Selected-for-Armys-JMR-TD-Program/default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919071359/https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2013/Bell-V-280-Valor-Selected-for-Armys-JMR-TD-Program/default.aspx |archive-date=19 September 2023 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Textron}}

In September 2013, Bell announced it would partner with Lockheed Martin to develop the V-280. Lockheed will provide integrated avionics, sensors, and weapons to the aircraft. Additional partners were announced in the following months, including Moog Inc. for the flight control systems,{{Cite web |date=9 October 2013 |title=Moog to Design, Manufacture Flight Control System for Bell V-280 Valor™ |url=https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2013/Moog-to-Design-Manufacture-Flight-Control-System-for-Bell-V-280-Valor/default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918032604/https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2013/Moog-to-Design-Manufacture-Flight-Control-System-for-Bell-V-280-Valor/default.aspx |archive-date=18 September 2023 |website=Textron}} GE Aviation for the engines,{{Cite web |last=Hemmerdinger |first=Jon |date=16 October 2013 |title=Bell switches engine supplier for next tiltrotor, chooses GE |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-switches-engine-supplier-for-next-tiltrotor-chooses-ge/111391.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922211150/https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-switches-engine-supplier-for-next-tiltrotor-chooses-ge/111391.article |archive-date=22 September 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}}{{Cite web |last=Weisgerber |first=Marcus |date=7 October 2021 |title=Bell Picks Rolls-Royce Engine for V-280 Valor in Army Black Hawk Replacement Contest |url=https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/10/bell-picks-rolls-royce-engine-v-280-valor-army-black-hawk-replacement-contest/185953/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007221824/https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/10/bell-picks-rolls-royce-engine-v-280-valor-army-black-hawk-replacement-contest/185953/ |archive-date=7 October 2021 |website=Defense One}} GKN for the tail structure,{{Cite web |date=17 October 2013 |title=GKN Aerospace to develop V-Tail for Bell V-280 Valor |url=http://gkn.com/aerospace/media/news/pages/gkn-aerospace-to-develop-v-tail-for-bell-v-280-valor.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307122140/http://gkn.com/aerospace/media/news/pages/gkn-aerospace-to-develop-v-tail-for-bell-v-280-valor.aspx |archive-date=7 March 2016 |website=GKN Aerospace}} Spirit AeroSystems for the composite fuselage,{{Cite web |last=Hemmerdinger |first=Jon |date=21 October 2013 |title=Spirit AeroSystems to build V-280 fuselage |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/spirit-aerosystems-to-build-v-280-fuselage/111425.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809104710/https://www.flightglobal.com/spirit-aerosystems-to-build-v-280-fuselage/111425.article |archive-date=9 August 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}} Eaton Corporation as the distributor of hydraulics and power generation systems,{{cite web |author= |date=5 May 2014 |title=Bell Helicopter, Eaton Announce Cooperative Agreement |url=https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2014/Bell-Helicopter-Eaton-Announce-Cooperative-Agreement/default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914101550/https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2014/Bell-Helicopter-Eaton-Announce-Cooperative-Agreement/default.aspx |archive-date=14 September 2023 |work=Textron}} and Astronics Advanced Electric Systems to design and manufacture power distribution systems.{{Cite web |date=5 May 2014 |title=Bell Helicopter, Astronics Announce Cooperative Agreement |url=https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2014/Bell-Helicopter-Astroincs-Announce-Cooperative-Agreement/default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914073359/https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2014/Bell-Helicopter-Astroincs-Announce-Cooperative-Agreement/default.aspx |archive-date=14 September 2023 |website=Textron}} Israel Aerospace Industries, the first international partner recruited for the V-280, will supply the nacelle structures. Textron sister company TRU Simulation & Training will build a high-fidelity marketing simulator and desktop maintenance trainer.{{cite web |last1=Carey |first1=Bill |date=15 October 2014 |title=Industry Teams Tout Rotorcraft Designs for U.S. Army Demo {{!}} AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2014-10-15/industry-teams-tout-rotorcraft-designs-us-army-demo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011043903/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2014-10-15/industry-teams-tout-rotorcraft-designs-us-army-demo |archive-date=11 October 2023 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Aviation International News}}

In October 2013, the U.S. Army awarded a technology investment agreement (TIA) to Bell for the V-280 Valor tiltrotor under the Joint Multi-Role program.{{Cite web |date=8 October 2013 |title=Army Awards JMR-TD Program Technology Investment Agreement with Bell Helicopter for Next-Generation Tiltrotor Demonstrator |url=https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2013/Army-Awards-JMR-TD-Program-Technology-Investment-Agreement-with-Bell-Helicopter-for-Next-Generation-Tiltrotor-Demonstrator/default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918044240/https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2013/Army-Awards-JMR-TD-Program-Technology-Investment-Agreement-with-Bell-Helicopter-for-Next-Generation-Tiltrotor-Demonstrator/default.aspx |archive-date=18 September 2023 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Textron}} Awards were also given to AVX Aircraft, Karem Aircraft, and a Sikorsky-Boeing team. The JMR program is not intended to develop a prototype for the next family of vehicles, but to develop technologies and interfaces. The TIAs give the four teams nine months to complete preliminary design of their rotorcraft, which the Army will then review and authorize the construction of two competing demonstrators to fly in 2017. While there is a potential for an early downselect, the four teams are focused on the 2017 flight demonstrations.{{Cite web |last=Warwick |first=Graham |date=2 October 2013 |title=Karem Unveils Variable-Speed Tiltrotor For U.S. Army JMR Demo |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_10_02_2013_p0-623233.xml&p=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005015215/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_10_02_2013_p0-623233.xml&p=1 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |website=Aviation Week}}{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Zach |date=3 October 2013 |title=Army selects four companies for advanced rotorcraft concepts |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/army-selects-four-companies-for-advanced-rotorcraft-concepts/111265.article |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614231038/https://www.flightglobal.com/army-selects-four-companies-for-advanced-rotorcraft-concepts/111265.article |archive-date=14 June 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}} Each of the four teams received $6.5 million from the Army for phase I of the program, although Bell is investing an undisclosed amount of its own money.{{Cite web |date=25 October 2013 |title=Doubts Swirl around Army's Next Generation Helicopter Fleet |url=https://www.military.com/defensetech/2013/10/25/doubts-swirl-around-armys-next-generation-helicopter-fleet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804201311/https://www.military.com/defensetech/2013/10/25/doubts-swirl-around-armys-next-generation-helicopter-fleet |archive-date=4 August 2020 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=military.com}} On 21 October 2013, Bell unveiled the first full-scale mock-up of the V-280 Valor at Association of the United States Army 2013.{{Cite web |last=Hemmerdinger |first=Jon |date=21 October 2013 |title=Bell unveils V-280 Valor mock-up |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-unveils-v-280-valor-mock-up/111428.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030215445/https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-unveils-v-280-valor-mock-up/111428.article |archive-date=30 October 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}}

On 11 August 2014, the Army informed the Bell-Lockheed team that they had chosen the V-280 Valor to continue with the JMR demonstration program. The Boeing-Sikorsky team offering the SB-1 Defiant was also chosen.{{Cite web |last=McGarry |first=Brendan |date=12 August 2014 |title=Army Picks Firms to Build Future Helicopter |url=https://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/08/12/army-picks-firms-to-build-future-helicopter/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022111306/https://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/08/12/army-picks-firms-to-build-future-helicopter/ |archive-date=22 October 2017 |website=DoDBuzz}} Announcement of the selections was officially made on 3 October 2014, and the teams began building technology demonstration aircraft for test flights in 2017.{{Cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |date=3 October 2014 |title=U.S. Army Selects Bell and Sikorsky/Boeing to Build Prototypes for Next Generation Helicopter Program |url=https://news.usni.org/2014/10/03/u-s-army-selects-bell-sikorskyboeing-build-prototypes-next-generation-helicopter-program |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325015026/https://news.usni.org/2014/10/03/u-s-army-selects-bell-sikorskyboeing-build-prototypes-next-generation-helicopter-program |archive-date=25 March 2023 |website=U.S. Naval Institute}} Bell unveiled a full-scale mock-up of the V-280 Valor on the floor at AUSA 2014 to showcase the configuration and design of the high-speed platform. It is focused on the infantry squad and is to handle much like a helicopter in terms of low-speed agility to have unprecedented pitch, roll, and yaw response for those operations. Roughly the size of the current medium-lift helicopter, the V-280 is designed to travel twice as fast and twice as far. Bell is pitching these capabilities for movement over vast areas like the Pacific. The program director said the need for forward arming and refueling points could be eliminated and that one FOB (forward operating base) in the middle of a country, such as Afghanistan, could cover the entire country.{{Cite web |date=14 October 2014 |title=Bell Touts New Tilt-Rotor High-Speed Helicopter |url=https://www.military.com/defensetech/2014/10/14/bell-touts-new-tilt-rotor-high-speed-helicopter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804200740/https://www.military.com/defensetech/2014/10/14/bell-touts-new-tilt-rotor-high-speed-helicopter |archive-date=4 August 2020 |website=military.com}}

Although Bell sold its share in the AW609 program in 2011, Bell continues to work on the AW609 and considers commercial potential for the V-280, as a military mass production of 2,000–4,000 aircraft could reduce unit cost to commercially acceptable levels.{{Cite web |last=Black |first=Thomas |date=18 September 2015 |title=Plane or Copter? Tilt-Rotor May Mix Both in Civil Use |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-18/plane-or-copter-bell-sees-tilt-rotor-mixing-both-in-civil-use |url-access=subscription |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720141856/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-18/plane-or-copter-bell-sees-tilt-rotor-mixing-both-in-civil-use |archive-date=20 July 2016 |website=Bloomberg}}{{cite web |author=Jaggi |first=Rohit |date=20 October 2014 |title=Helicopter market eyes civilian tilt-rotor models |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/eb32b40a-5466-11e4-84c6-00144feab7de.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024014254/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/eb32b40a-5466-11e4-84c6-00144feab7de.html |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |work=Financial Times |quote=We're talking 2–4,000 aircraft}} In 2016, Bell stated that it preferred the 609 for commercial use, and intended to offer the V-280 for military use only. Bell also stated that conventional helicopters were not part of Bell's military future.{{Cite web |last=Drew |first=James |date=29 February 2016 |title=HELI-EXPO: Bell rules out future conventional military helicopter developments |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/heli-expo-bell-rules-out-future-conventional-military-helicopter-developments/119822.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108140824/https://www.flightglobal.com/heli-expo-bell-rules-out-future-conventional-military-helicopter-developments/119822.article |archive-date=8 November 2020 |access-date=17 September 2023 |website=FlightGlobal}}

The Bell V-280 was chosen over the Sikorsky Defiant X on 5 December 2022. Sikorsky filed a protest after losing the contract,{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=28 December 2022 |title=Sikorsky challenges US Army's helicopter award |url=https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/12/28/lockheed-challenges-us-armys-helicopter-award/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240110024250/https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/12/28/lockheed-challenges-us-armys-helicopter-award/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=7 April 2023 |website=Defense News |language=en}} but the Government Accountability Office rejected it{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=6 April 2023 |title=Lockheed unit loses protest of Army tiltrotor award to Textron's Bell |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/04/06/lockheed-unit-loses-protest-of-army-tiltrotor-award-to-textrons-bell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240110024401/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/04/06/lockheed-unit-loses-protest-of-army-tiltrotor-award-to-textrons-bell/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=7 April 2023 |website=Defense News |language=en}} on the grounds that Bell's submission was more advantageous in more areas while Sikorsky's information had too many deficiencies{{Cite web |last=Roque |first=Ashley |date=14 April 2023 |title=Sikorsky-Boeing's FLRAA bid was much cheaper, but couldn't offset 'unacceptable' design metric: GAO |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/04/sikorsky-boeings-flraa-bid-was-much-cheaper-but-couldnt-offset-unacceptable-design-metric-gao/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516075902/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/04/sikorsky-boeings-flraa-bid-was-much-cheaper-but-couldnt-offset-unacceptable-design-metric-gao/ |archive-date=16 May 2023 |website=Breaking Defense}} and did not provide enough detail on how it would meet requirements.{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2 May 2023 |title=US Army says open system requirements clear for next-gen helicopter |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/aaaa/2023/05/02/us-army-says-open-system-requirements-clear-for-next-gen-helicopter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240110024631/https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/aaaa/2023/05/02/us-army-says-open-system-requirements-clear-for-next-gen-helicopter/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |website=Defense News}}

File:Bell V-280 Valor hover demo, 2019 Alliance Air Show.jpg

In June 2015, Bell's subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems began assembly of the composite fuselage for the first prototype V-280 Valor,{{Cite web |last=Whittle |first=Richard |date=19 June 2015 |title=V-280 Valor: Bell Starts Building Joint Multi-Role Prototype |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2015/06/valor-gets-real-bell-begins-building-v-280-for-joint-multi-role-demo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111160346/https://breakingdefense.com/2015/06/valor-gets-real-bell-begins-building-v-280-for-joint-multi-role-demo/ |archive-date=11 November 2022 |website=Breaking Defense}} which was delivered in September 2015.{{cite web |last=Siebenmark |first=Jerry |date=23 September 2015 |title=Spirit delivers first V-280 tiltrotor aircraft fuselage to Bell (+ video) |url=http://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article36123228.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923064723/http://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article36123228.html |archive-date=23 September 2015 |work=kansas}} In total, the design and manufacturing of the fuselage was completed in only 22 months.{{Cite web |date=21 December 2015 |title=Spirit AeroSystems used HyperSizer software for V-280 Valor program |url=https://www.compositesworld.com/news/spirit-aerosystems-employed-hypersizer-software-for-v-280-valor-program- |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230011313/https://www.compositesworld.com/news/spirit-aerosystems-employed-hypersizer-software-for-v-280-valor-program- |archive-date=30 December 2018 |website=Composites World}} Although the V-280 is initially planned for the JMR demonstration program, Bell does not anticipate much difference between it and a final FVL entry.{{Cite web |last=Drew |first=James |date=2 July 2015 |title=Bell sees V-280 Valor as common attack-utility platform |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-sees-v-280-valor-as-common-attack-utility-platform/117509.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606141501/https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-sees-v-280-valor-as-common-attack-utility-platform/117509.article |archive-date=6 June 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}} By January 2016, the V-280 demonstrator was 23 percent complete,{{Cite web |last=Drew |first=James |date=20 January 2016 |title=Bell preparing to affix V-280 wing as 'Valor' takes shape |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-preparing-to-affix-v-280-wing-as-valor-takes-shape/119395.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529023153/https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-preparing-to-affix-v-280-wing-as-valor-takes-shape/119395.article |archive-date=29 May 2022 |website=FlightGlobal}} with the fuselage and wings mated together in early May 2016.{{Cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date=4 May 2016 |title=Bell Helicopter mates fuselage and wings of first V-280 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/bell-helicopter-mates-fuselage-and-wings-of-first-v-280/120497.article |url-access=registration |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110025821/https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/bell-helicopter-mates-fuselage-and-wings-of-first-v-280/120497.article |archive-date=10 January 2024 |website=FlightGlobal}} The demonstrator aircraft began ground vibration testing in Amarillo in February 2017, with the aircraft reaching 95 percent completion.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Oliver |date=16 February 2017 |title=V-280 Valor begins ground vibration testing |url=https://verticalmag.com/news/v-280-valor-begins-ground-vibration-testing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015635/https://verticalmag.com/news/v-280-valor-begins-ground-vibration-testing/ |archive-date=22 March 2017 |website=Vertical Mag}}

The demonstrator was undergoing ground testing in October 2017.{{Cite web |date=18 October 2017 |title=Photo of Experimental (piston-single) (N280BH) |url=http://www.flightaware.com/photos/view/928348-25d2d4ab1ee0136b86ac2af0949b8d1bfb142e7a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024203301/http://flightaware.com/photos/view/928348-25d2d4ab1ee0136b86ac2af0949b8d1bfb142e7a |archive-date=24 October 2017 |access-date=17 September 2023 |website=Flight Aware}}{{cite news |author=James |first=Drew |date=3 October 2017 |title=Bell V-280 Ready For First Flight |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/bell-v-280-ready-first-flight |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108234622/https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/bell-v-280-ready-first-flight |archive-date=8 January 2023 |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology}} Bell released a video on 18 December showing the first flight with the area around the pivots blurred.{{Cite web |date=18 December 2017 |title=Bell V-280 Valor achieves first flight |url=https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/bell-v-280-valor-achieves-first-flight/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108234643/https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/bell-v-280-valor-achieves-first-flight/ |archive-date=8 January 2023 |accessdate=17 September 2023 |website=Vertical Mag}} In April 2018, it ran for 75 hours on the ground and flew for 19 hours, up to {{convert|80|knot|mph km/h|-1|}}, before transiting to airplane flight by the end of the month.{{cite news |author=DiMascio |first=Jen |date=9 April 2018 |title=Bell's V-280 To Fly Like Aircraft |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense/bell-s-v-280-fly-aircraft |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108234621/https://aviationweek.com/textron-acquire-telecommunications-test-firm |archive-date=8 January 2023 |work=Aviation Week Network}} By the end of the month, it attained {{convert|140|knot|mph km/h|-1|}} with proprotors 60-deg. forward, and is planned to reach its airplane cruise configuration with horizontal pylons in summer.{{cite news |author=Drew |first=James |date=26 April 2018 |title=Bell V-280 Passes 140 Kt. On Way To 'Cruise Mode' |url=https://aviationweek.com/vertical-flight/bell-v-280-passes-140-kt-way-cruise-mode |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227072726/https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/bell-v-280-passes-140-kt-way-cruise-mode |archive-date=27 February 2021 |work=Aviation Week Network}} It reached {{convert|190|knot|mph km/h|-1|}} in cruise mode with horizontal propellers in May 2018.{{cite news |author=Reim |first=Garrett |date=16 May 2018 |title=Bell Helicopter V-280 tilts rotors to cruise mode 16 MAY, 2018 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-helicopter-v-280-tilts-rotors-to-cruise-mode-448623/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017211343/https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/bell-v-280-tilts-rotors-to-cruise-mode/128117.article |archive-date=17 October 2021 |work=FlightGlobal}}

After 155 hours of rotor turn time and 70 flight hours, by October 2018 it had reached {{convert|250|knot|mph km/h|-1|}} at 80% proprotor cruise speed. It was flown to a 45° bank angle at up to {{convert|200|knot|mph km/h|-1|}}, achieved a {{cvt|4,500|ft/min|m/s}} climb rate at {{cvt|160|kn|mph km/h}}, exceeded {{convert|200|knot|mph km/h|-1|}} with less than 50% torque, and recorded a peak load factor of 1.9 g. Its longest flight covered {{cvt|370|mi|nmi km}} as it performed a ferry flight to Arlington, Texas to continue testing closer to the US Army.{{cite news |date=18 December 2018 |title=Bell V-280 Valor – First Year of Flight |url=https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/170381-bell-v-280-valor-first-year-of-flight |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001081734/https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/170381-bell-v-280-valor-first-year-of-flight |archive-date=1 October 2023 |work=Bell Press Release}}

After one year of flight tests, it reached its {{convert|280|knot|mph km/h|-1|}} target by January 2019, as it will continue to expand its flight envelope: low-speed agility, bank angles, and autonomous operations.{{cite news |author=Perry |first=Dominic |date=25 January 2019 |title=Bell V-280 hits 280kt speed goal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-v-280-hits-280kt-speed-goal-455289/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919195922/https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/bell-v-280-hits-280kt-speed-goal/131119.article |archive-date=19 September 2020 |work=FlightGlobal}} In December 2020, the V-280 reached {{convert|305|knot|mph km/h|-1|}} as it was flown for over 200 hours.{{Cite web |last=Freedberg Jr |first=Sydney J. |date=25 January 2021 |title=Defiant-X: Sikorsky, Boeing Unveil FLRAA Design |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2021/01/defiant-x-sikorsky-boeing-unveil-flraa-design/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108234620/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/01/defiant-x-sikorsky-boeing-unveil-flraa-design/ |archive-date=8 January 2023 |website=Breaking Defense}}{{cite web |title=Bell V-280 Tilt Rotor Aircraft Flies Demonstration |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ6nCpBLHJE |access-date=29 January 2020 |work=YouTube | date=26 October 2018 |publisher=The Dallas Morning News}} The V-280 demonstrator was decommissioned in June 2021 after 214 hours of total flight time and the aircraft was dismantled for inspection of its internal components; the airframe was later partially reassembled and used as a display model.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-25 |title=Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor has flown its last |url=https://verticalmag.com/news/bell-v-280-valor-tiltrotor-has-flown-its-last/ |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Reim2021-10-12T03:21:00+01:00 |first=Garrett |title=Bell pulls apart V-280 tiltrotor in post-demonstration autopsy |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/bell-pulls-apart-v-280-tiltrotor-in-post-demonstration-autopsy/145870.article |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}

The V-280 was designated YMV-75A by the Department of Defense in November 2024;[https://designation-systems.net/usmilav/412015-L(addendum).html DoD designations addendum]. designation-systems.net the MV-75 designation was officially announced on 14 May 2025.{{cite web |last=Finnerty |first=Ryan |date=14 May 2025 |title=US Army designates next-generation Bell tiltrotor as MV-75 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/us-army-designates-next-generation-bell-tiltrotor-as-mv-75/162977.article |access-date=14 May 2025 |website=FlightGlobal}}

File:Bell V-280 Valor takeoff demo, 2019 Alliance Air Show, Fort Worth, TX.jpg

The V-280 is designed for a cruising speed of {{convert|280|knot|mph km/h|abbr=out}}, hence the name V-280. It has a top speed of {{convert|300.|knot|mph km/h|abbr=out}}, a range of {{convert|2100 |nmi|mi km|abbr=out}}, and an effective combat range of {{convert|500|to|800|nmi|mi km |abbr= on}}. Expected maximum takeoff weight is around {{Convert|30,000|lb|kg}}.{{Cite web |last=Huber |first=Mark |date=3 August 2014 |title=Bell Applying 525 Technology to V-280 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2014-08-03/bell-applying-525-technology-v-280 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011072616/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2014-08-03/bell-applying-525-technology-v-280 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |access-date=4 August 2014 |website=Aviation International News}} One major difference from the earlier V-22 Osprey tiltrotor is that the engines remain in place while the rotors and drive shafts tilt. A driveshaft runs through the straight wing, allowing both rotors to be driven by a single engine in the event of engine loss. The V-280 will have retractable landing gear, a triple-redundant fly by wire control system, and a V-tail configuration.

The wings are made of a single section of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite, reducing weight and production costs. The V-280 will have a crew of four and be capable of transporting up to 14 troops. Dual cargo hooks will give it a lift capacity to carry a {{convert|10,000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} M777A2 Howitzer while flying at a speed of {{convert|150|knot|mph km/h|abbr=out}}. The fuselage is visually similar to that of the UH-60 Black Hawk medium lift helicopter. When landed, the wing is more than {{Convert|7|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the ground, allowing soldiers to egress easily out of two {{convert|6|ft|m|abbr=out|adj=on}} wide side doors and door gunners to have wide fields of fire.

Although the initial design is a utility configuration, Bell is also working on an attack configuration.{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |date=10 April 2014 |title=PICTURES: Bell unveils V-280 Valor |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-bell-unveils-v-280-valor-384517/ |url-access=registration |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225155435/https://www.flightglobal.com/pictures-bell-unveils-v-280-valor/109382.article |archive-date=25 February 2020 |work=FlightGlobal}}{{cite web |last=Quick |first=Darren |date=18 April 2013 |title=Bell unveils V-280 Valor tiltrotor concept for U.S. Army program |url=http://aerospaceblog.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/bell-unveils-v-280-valor-tiltrotor-concept-for-u-s-army-program/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108234622/https://aerospaceblog.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/bell-unveils-v-280-valor-tiltrotor-concept-for-u-s-army-program/ |archive-date=8 January 2023 |work=Aerospace Blog}}{{Cite web |last=Gourley |first=Scott R. |date=23 May 2013 |title=Bell V-280 Valor Spotlighted at SOFIC |url=https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/bell-v-280-valor-spotlighted-at-sofic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108234615/https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/bell-v-280-valor-spotlighted-at-sofic/ |archive-date=8 January 2023 |website=Defense Media Network}} Whether different variants of the V-280 would fill utility and attack roles or a single airframe could interchange payloads for either mission, Bell is confident the Valor tiltrotor platform can fulfill both duties. The U.S. Marine Corps is interested in having one aircraft to replace utility and attack helicopters, but the Army, which leads the program, is not committed to the idea and wants distinct platforms for each mission. Bell and Lockheed claim an AV-280 variant can launch rockets, missiles, and even small unmanned aerial vehicles forward or aft with no rotor interference, even in forward flight and cruise modes with the rotors forward.

The V-280 prototype (air vehicle concept demonstrator, or AVCD) was powered by the General Electric T64.{{Cite web |last=Warwick |first=Graham |date=25 August 2014 |title=Affordability Challenge In Pursuit Of Army JMR/FVL |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/affordability-challenge-pursuit-army-jmrfvl |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509111405/https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/affordability-challenge-pursuit-army-jmrfvl |archive-date=9 May 2021 |access-date=26 August 2014 |website=Aviation Week}} The specific engine for the model performance specification (MPS) was unknown at the time, but has funding from the Army's future affordable turbine engine (FATE) program. The V-tail structure and ruddervators, made by GKN, will provide high levels of maneuverability and control to the airframe. It will be made of a combination of metals and composites. Features in the interior include seats that wirelessly charge troops’ radios, night-vision goggles, and other electronic gear and windows that display three-dimensional mission maps.{{Cite web |date=5 May 2014 |title=Army May Pick Future Helo Designs This Summer |url=https://www.military.com/defensetech/2014/05/05/army-may-pick-future-helo-designs-this-summer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804204917/https://www.military.com/defensetech/2014/05/05/army-may-pick-future-helo-designs-this-summer |archive-date=4 August 2020 |website=military.com}}

Special emphasis has been placed on reducing the weight of the V-280 in comparison to the V-22, which would reduce cost. To do this, composites are used extensively in the wing, fuselage, and tail. Wing skins and ribs are made of a honeycomb-stiffened "sandwich" construction with large-cell carbon cores for fewer, larger, and lighter parts. Skins and ribs are paste-bonded together to eliminate fasteners. With these measures, costs are reduced by over 30 percent compared to a scaled V-22 wing. Bell expects the V-280 to cost around the same as an AH-64E or MH-60M.{{Cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date=23 September 2015 |title=V-280 fuselage delivery highlights focus on cost |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/v-280-fuselage-delivery-highlights-focus-on-cost-/118297.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106225044/https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/v-280-fuselage-delivery-highlights-focus-on-cost-/118297.article |archive-date=6 January 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}} While the Osprey has a higher disk loading and lower hover efficiency than a helicopter, the V-280 will have a lower disk loading and longer wing for greater hover and cruise efficiency.

In October 2021, Bell and Rolls-Royce jointly announced that the V-280 Valor powerplant would switch from the T64 turboshaft used on the prototype to a derivative of the Rolls-Royce T406/AE 1107C used on the Osprey, which would be named the AE 1107F. At the same time as increasing power from 5,000 to 7,000 horsepower, the AE 1107 is a known element in tiltrotor aircraft with its two decades of prior use, which lowers sustainment costs and decreases risks of the project.{{Cite web |last=Weisgerber |first=Marcus |date=7 October 2021 |title=Bell Picks Rolls-Royce Engine for V-280 Valor in Army Black Hawk Replacement Contest |url=https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/10/bell-picks-rolls-royce-engine-v-280-valor-army-black-hawk-replacement-contest/185953/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923142856/https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/10/bell-picks-rolls-royce-engine-v-280-valor-army-black-hawk-replacement-contest/185953/ |archive-date=23 September 2023 |website=Defense One}}

{{Aircraft specs

| ref = bellflight.com,{{Cite web |title=Bell V280 Valor |url=http://www.bellflight.com/military/bell-v-280#sectionSpecs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003163820/https://www.bellflight.com/products/bell-v-280#sectionSpecs |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=18 April 2018 |website=Bell Flight}}{{better source needed|date=February 2021}}

| prime units? = imp

| genhide =

| crew = 4

| capacity = 14 troops

| length m =

| length ft = 50.5

| length in =

| length note =

| height m = 7

| height ft =

| height in =

| height note =

| width ft = 81.79

| empty weight kg = 8200

| empty weight lb =

| empty weight note =

| gross weight kg =

| gross weight lb =

| gross weight note =

| max takeoff weight kg = 14000

| max takeoff weight lb =

| fuel capacity =

| more general =

| eng1 number = 2

| eng1 name = General Electric T64

| eng1 type = turboshaft

| eng1 kw =

| eng1 hp =

| eng1 shp =

| eng1 kn =

| eng1 lbf =

| eng1 note =

| power original =

| thrust original =

| eng1 kn-ab =

| eng1 lbf-ab =

| more power =

| prop number =

| prop blade number =

| prop name =

| prop dia m =

| prop dia ft =

| prop dia in =

| prop note =

| rot number = 2

| rot dia m = 10.7

| rot dia ft = 35

| rot dia in =

| rot area sqm =

| rot area sqft =

| rot area note =

| perfhide =

| max speed kmh =

| max speed mph =

| max speed kts =

| max speed note =

| cruise speed kmh =

| cruise speed mph =

| cruise speed kts = 280

| cruise speed note =

| never exceed speed kmh =

| never exceed speed mph =

| never exceed speed kts =

| never exceed speed note =

| range km =

| range miles =

| range nmi =

| range note =

| combat range km =

| combat range miles =

| combat range nmi = 500–800

| combat range note =

| ferry range km =

| ferry range miles =

| ferry range nmi = 2100

| ferry range note =

| endurance =

| ceiling m =

| ceiling ft = 6000

| ceiling note = ; in hover out of ground effect at {{convert|95|F}}

| g limits =

| roll rate =

| climb rate ms =

| climb rate ftmin =

| climb rate note =

| time to altitude =

| sink rate ms =

| sink rate ftmin =

| sink rate note =

| lift to drag =

| disk loading kg/m2 =

| disk loading lb/sqft = 16{{Cite web |title=JMR Bell-Vertiflite |url=https://vtol.org/files/dmfile/JMR_Bell-Vertiflite.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112025418/https://vtol.org/files/dmfile/JMR_Bell-Vertiflite.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2023 |website=vtol.org}}

| disk loading note =

| fuel consumption kg/km =

| fuel consumption lb/mi =

| power/mass =

| thrust/weight =

| more performance =

| guns =

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| rockets =

| missiles =

| hardpoints =

| hardpoint capacity =

| hardpoint rockets =

| hardpoint missiles =

| hardpoint bombs =

| hardpoint other =

| avionics =

}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

• Future Vertical Lift
• Leonardo AW609

|related=

• Bell XV-15
• Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

|similar aircraft=

• Sikorsky–Boeing SB-1 Defiant

|lists=

}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Bell V-280}}

{{external media

|float=right

|image1 =[http://www.bellflight.com/military/bell-v-280#sectionGallery Bell V-280 image gallery]

|image2 =[https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153738817305528.1073741873.80119815527&type=3 Mock-up photos] by American Helicopter Society

|image3 =

|video1 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O3Onyas984 Bell V-280 Valor on YouTube]

}}

• [https://www.bellflight.com/products/bell-v-280 Bell V-280 Valor web page]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130426034701/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/cf/ceoBlog.cfm Bell Helicopter – CEO Blog (archived)]
• [https://theaviationist.com/2017/08/30/here-are-the-first-images-of-the-first-bell-v-280-valor-next-generation-tilt-rotor-aircraft-prototype/ Images of the First Bell V-280 Valor on theaviationist.com]

{{Bell Aircraft}}

{{US STOL and VTOL aircraft}}

Category:Tiltrotor aircraft

Category:Lockheed Martin aircraft

V-280 Valor

Category:Aircraft first flown in 2017

Category:High-wing aircraft

Category:V-tail aircraft

Category:Twin-turboprop tractor aircraft

Category:Turboshaft-powered aircraft

Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear