The US Army has given approval for the Bell V-280 Valor to enter the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase.
This means that work on the prototype and low-rate initial production (LRIP) can now move forward. The approval follows a preliminary design review (PDR) completed in April.
“This an important step for FLRAA [Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft] and demonstrates the army’s commitment to our highest aviation modernisation priority,” said Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the army for acquisition, logistics, and technology, referring to the tiltrotor by its army programme name, FLRAA.
“FLRAA will provide assault and medevac capabilities for the future army, adding significantly increased speed, range, and endurance.”
Bell is set to build six prototypes for testing, with the first scheduled to fly in 2026. LRIP aircraft are planned for production in 2028, and the aircraft is expected to enter service in 2030.
The army selected the V-280 in December 2022 to replace the Sikorsky UH-60 as the service’s main assault, medevac, and utility rotorcraft.
The initial contract is worth USD 7.1 billion, but follow-on procurements could be worth up to USD 70 billion.
