Bell V-280 gets elastomeric rotor bearings
Lord Corporation has delivered the first ship-set of elastomeric rotor bearings to Bell Helicopter for the V-280 Valor Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) programme, it announced on 21 June.
Lord's High-Capacity Laminate (HCL) elastomeric bearings have been designed to accommodate high loads and blade motions without lubrication. The bearings are critical in enabling the tiltrotor aircraft to achieve its required low speed maneuverability.
The Bell V-280 Valor third-generation tiltrotor concept is Bell Helicopter's offering for the JMR-TD programme. It is designed to be able to fly for 800km on a single tank of fuel; manoeuvre and hover in ‘high-hot’ conditions; and function as an attack and utility helicopter platform.
Vince Tobin, vice president of advanced tiltrotor systems at Bell Helicopter, said: ‘The elastomerics play a pivotal role in delivering the enhanced hover agility of the V-280. The V-280 Valor is an aircraft that will provide unmatched speed, range and payload capabilities at an affordable cost.
'This next-generation tiltrotor is designed with affordability in mind, leveraging advanced tooling and techniques that remove cost, weight and complexity from the aircraft while yielding a high level of capability.’
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