"The U.S. Army Tests Its New ‘Stealth’ Helicopter ..." Topic

…for the 2030s

"Bell Helicopter engineers are looking at ways to reduce the radar signature of their new, next-generation V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft slated to be operational by the 2030s. While developers stop short of calling the new project a "stealth" helicopter, they do acknowledge they are engineering "stealthy" characteristics — such as infrared heat suppressing systems and various fuselage contour constructions.

"We will definitely employ some passive measures in terms of how we shape the aircraft, to make it invisible. The key is not to be able to target it and reduce the signature passively so radar sweeps do not see anything. In the end, you do not want to get detected or engaged," Vince Tobin, vice president of advanced tiltrotor systems, Bell Helicopter, told Scout Warrior.

"We will definitely employ some passive measures in terms of how we shape the aircraft, to make it invisible. The key is not to be able to target it and reduce the signature passively so radar sweeps do not see anything. In the end, you do not want to get detected or engaged," Vince Tobin, vice president of advanced tiltrotor systems, Bell Helicopter, told Scout Warrior.

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Amicalement
Armand

I really doubt Bell is going to win that contract, the Army doesn't seem to be interested in Tilt-Rotors. Not anywhere near as interested as the Marines, anyway.

The Sikorsky/Boeing SB-1 Defiant also looks so much kooler with its dual Russian-style contra-rotating main rotors than the ugly duck V-280. We all know how much importance the army places on style.

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I halfway expect both manufacturers will bring enough political pressure to the far from pristine selection game that both designs will reach production as with the LCS. The Sikorsky/Boeing platform will get the gunship, CSAR and light lift while the Valor will get heavy lift and some of the light roles.

Very cool! I need models of both in 1:48.

Glad you like it my friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

@McKinstry: No, these are competing at the Army's 'medium lift' level. You notice how the Valor looks like a Blackhawk fuselage with wings? Same troop capacity as the Defiant.