Bell’s HSVTOL Technology Development Hits New Milestone

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After its unveiling in August 2021, Bell’s High-Speed Vertical Take-off and Landing (HSVTOL) concepts hit a new development milestone with a full-scale demonstration of its folding rotor technology and digital flight control systems in December.

“This milestone, advanced Bell’s HSVTOL technology to a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 in 2021, and our 2022 development plan has us rapidly progressing to TRL 5 with an integrated demonstration - one step closer to flight” said Jeff Nissen, senior manager of Advanced Technology and the HSVTOL program manager at Bell.

Bell’s demonstration validated several critical elements of HSVTOL enabling technologies including reliable folding rotor hardware and robust digital flight control. The team completed the digital design of this system in record time and rapidly built and tested the hardware and software required to perform a full conversion of the rotor system from turboprop to jet mode. “This full-scale demonstration was an exciting event to see our digital design come to life and allowed us to rapidly validate key assumptions we were making in the functionality of these systems. We look forward to integrating these results as we set our sights on the buildup of an integrated demo combining additional aircraft systems,” said Troy Schank, manager, Advanced Technology Integration and HSVTOL chief engineer at Bell.

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Signifying Bell’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformational capabilities to the U.S. military, the company unveiled its HSVTOL concept in 2021. HSVTOL blends hover capability of a helicopter with the speed, range and survivability features of jet aircraft. This family of aircraft concepts delivers low downwash hover capability, jet-like speeds more than 400 kts, and scalability to support a range of missions from personnel recovery, autonomous ISR/Strike, and tactical mobility. HSVTOL’s runway independence offers unmatched mission flexibility to support future military needs.

Bell has a strong track-record of producing innovative VTOL configurations that advance aviation. Recently, the V-280 Valor long range assault aircraft demonstrator safely concluded a three-year flight test after achieving over 200 flight hours and showing it has the revolutionary speed, range, and agility needed to modernize U.S. military aviation. Bell applied digital design, advanced manufacturing technologies, and emerging commercial processes allowing it to increase reliability, efficiency in operations, enhance affordability, and build with digital precision. The Bell V-280 Valor program has proven itself through a rapid development cycle and a rigorous flight-testing program.

Bell's HSVTOL folding rotor systems integration lab development effort is complemented by additional progress made during its DARPA contract. Bell also recently announced its award of the AFWERX HSVTOL Phase I effort for these concept vehicles, which have received widespread attention throughout the industry. As the HSVTOL technology development progresses, Bell will continue to lay the groundwork for the development of yet another revolutionary Bell VTOL aircraft that will enhance mission capabilities for U.S. warfighters.

 

About Bell

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.

We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.

Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; volatility in interest rates or foreign exchange rates; and risks related to our international business, including establishing and maintaining facilities in locations around the world and relying on joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers, representatives, consultants and other business partners in connection with international business, including in emerging market countries.

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