[BBell]

Bell V-280 Valor -- First Ever Cruise Mode Flight

While similar in visual configuration to the existing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor in service with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marines, the V-280’s engines remain in a fixed position on the wing while only the tiltrotors change geometry from vertical flight to horizontal flight. One advantage to this system is that both tiltrotors on the V-280 can operate off a single engine. On the V-22 Osprey both of the entire engine nacelles rotate during the transition from vertical to horizontal flight and the engine drive systems are fully segregated from each other, but joined by a complex gear box so the aircraft can operate on one engine.

The wing section of the V-280 is a unique single-piece composite construction. (Photo: Bell Helicopters)

[Darksheare]

The article says they want this to replace the AH-64?
I don’t think that will happen.

[BBell]

The V-280 is supposed to have a top speed of 322 mph and a combat range of 575–921 mi. Ferry range of 2,417 mi.

[Yo-Yo]

Every photo of the V-280 with the nacelles in the vertical position has the tilting joint purposely blurred out.

Must be so secret sauce that allows the drivetrain to articulate like that.

[Mmogamer]

It kind of reminds me of the UD-4L Cheyenne Dropship from Aliens.

[Afterguard]

Looks like the little prototype that became the V-22. We used to see it nearly every day at NAS Moffett Field, CA during the mid-’70s. Only that one was white. And aluminum.

[bruin66]

“Joint” is not a mission.