Bell Textron Inc. has unveiled design concepts for new High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (HSVTOL) aircraft systems for military applications.
This HSVTOL technology combines the hover capability of a helicopter with the speed, range and survivability features of a fighter aircraft in order to develop a next-generation vertical lift aircraft system.
“Bell’s HSVTOL technology is a step change improvement in rotorcraft capabilities,” said Jason Hurst, vice president, Bell Textron Innovation.
“Our technology investments have reduced risk and prepared us for rapid development of HSVTOL in a digital engineering environment, leveraging experience from a robust past of technology exploration and close partnerships with the Department of Defense and Research Laboratories.”
Bell’s HSVTOL design concepts incorporate low downwash hover capability and scalability to support a range of missions from unmanned personnel recovery to tactical mobility.
The aircraft gross weights range from 4,000 lbs. to over 100,000 lbs., with jet-like cruise speeds of over 400 kts.
Bell’s HSVTOL capability is expected to become crucial to future mission needs offering a range of aircraft systems with enhanced runway independence, aircraft survivability, mission flexibility and enhanced performance over legacy platforms.
Bell has explored high-speed vertical lift aircraft technology for more than 85 years, pioneering innovative VTOL configurations like the X-14, X-22, XV-3 and XV-15 for NASA, the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
