Bell Helicopter unveiled is new Bell V-247 Vigilant tiltrotor UAS, which, like the existing manned V-22 Osprey, combines the abilities of traditional helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, on Thursday in Washington D.C.

One of the most unique features of the new UAS — which was introduced before an audience of aviation and military experts — will be its ability to operate without a runaway because it takes off and lands like a helicopter, allowing it to be used in a variety of scenarios and locations, including maritime environments and shrinking land bases in contested areas.

The UAS will have long-endurance (24 hours) persistent expeditionary and surveillance capabilities, as well as a redundant flight control system, and electro optical system and targeting system. It will also include a sea-based platform, so it can work in coordination with DDG guided missile destroyers’ shipboard applications.

“The Bell V-247 Vigilant will give military customers the capabilities needed to reduce the complexity of deployment, increase speed of employment, reduce mission times and increase response time — all critical elements to completing missions to save lives and protect our freedom,” said Vince Tobin, vice president, advanced tiltrotor systems at Bell Helicopter.

Some of the missions that the Bell V-247 could be used for include electronic warfare, C4 (command, control, communications, and computers) and tactical distribution.

The Bell V-247 is expected to be available for production as early as 2023.

<< Back to the News