Bell Textron has signed a contract with New York firm Astronics Corporation to develop electrical power and distribution systems for the US Army’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft.
The V-280 platform is being developed as part of the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, an advanced helicopter that will eventually replace the army’s UH-60 Black Hawk medium-lift utility rotorcraft fleet.
Bell won the $1.3-billion competition to provide a new aircraft for the program in December 2022.
CorePower
Under the agreement, Astronics will leverage its CorePower family of solutions to equip the aircraft with enhanced power conversion technology and a solid-state electronic circuit breaker.
Through CorePower, the tiltrotor helicopter will maintain clean and efficient power capability throughout army operations.
CorePower has reduced overall system weight and supports modular open systems architecture to equip future integrations.
According to Astronics, the contract will finalize the power system design and development, system integration services, and preliminary flight hardware deliveries for the V-280.
“We have enjoyed a close working relationship with Bell for many years, providing innovative solutions for their aircraft,” Astronics CEO and President Peter Gundermann stated.
“Our CorePower technology is designed into the Bell 505, Bell 525 aircraft, and V-280 Valor.”
“We congratulate Bell on their selection for this program and are honored to work with them to help deliver the V-280 weapon system to the US Army.”