Regulations and Government
Bell V-280 flight campaign advances
The V-280 program could result in deliveries of 4,000 aircraft by 2030 under a contract potentially worth $100 billion.
Designed for ease of manufacture as well as operational functionality and versatility, the Bell V-280 represents a new generation for tiltrotor technology.
Designed for ease of manufacture as well as operational functionality and versatility, the Bell V-280 represents a new generation for tiltrotor technology.

Since making its first flight last December 18, Bell's V-280 next-generation tiltrotor has continued its flight-test campaign, conducting more than nine flight hours including pattern flights at speeds up to 80 knots, according to Ryan Ehinger, Bell Helicopter V-280 program manager. Ehinger said the prototype aircraft has accumulated more than 56 rotor turn hours to date and that the development team is continuing to expand the conversion mode flight envelope at higher speeds toward full cruise mode.