At The 2016 HAI Heli-Expo, Army’s New Aircraft Valor Stole The Show

bellhelicopter.com

Can’t Wait For It To Take Off.

Every year, the HAI Heli-Expo happens in Dallas, Texas bring together a lot of great cmpanies. All the big international helicopter brands bring their A-game to the event, showcasing their new designs. The purpose of it is for manufacturers and technology companies to network and mingle, all the while innovating the direction of aircraft design.

This year, there were over 60 new and improved helicopters at the event, but one stood out. At least to us. 

^photo source: military.com

Bell’s new V-280 Valor, a tilt-rotor aircraft made in conjunction with Lockheed Martin, is almost fully completed. It’s a big improvement on the V-22 Osprey, as it’s lighter, can fly faster and can have more applications than the previous model. The video will go into greater detail about its many improvements, so take a seat back and check it out. 

Aside from all the perks such as the ability for it to be equipped with bombs, rockets and guns, there is one more thing that makes this unique aircraft stand out. The V-tail configuration. It just makes it look like something from a sci-fi movie, as does the cockpit featured above. 

 It’s first flight is scheduled to take place sometime in 2017.