Moog Inc. has recently announced that it has secured a contract with Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., to collaborate on the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. The FLRAA program focuses on developing the Bell V-280 Valor, a next-generation tiltrotor aircraft that’s set to transform long-range air assault missions for the U.S. Army. As Moog and Bell work hand in hand on the Bell V-280 Valor, the future of long-range air assault missions for the U.S. Army appears brighter than ever, with the potential to achieve missions and objectives that were previously unattainable with existing aircraft.
Under this contract, Moog will play a crucial role as a significant supplier-team member, taking on responsibilities for various critical components and systems within the Bell V-280 Valor. These components include actuators for controlling the aircraft’s ruddervator and flaperon (tail and wing), swashplate actuators that manage rotor blade pitch, an active force feel inceptor system for cockpit controls, pylon conversion actuators responsible for rotating the pylon from vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) to airplane mode, as well as flight control computers, power converter units, and elements of the hydraulic system.
“Moog has supported the development and flight of the V-280 demonstrator for years with their critical flight control components and we look forward to continuing to work with them on the FLRAA program,” said Ryan Ehinger, senior vice president and program director for FLRAA, Bell. “The FLRAA program is an opportunity to modernize Army aviation with transformational capabilities,” he further added.
The Bell V-280 Valor, equipped with transformational features, stands out as the most operationally effective solution to meet the U.S. Army’s long-range air assault needs. This tiltrotor aircraft is designed to offer unmatched agility, performance, maintainability, and reliability, effectively doubling the speed and range of conventional helicopters. It aims to provide the U.S. Army with the capability to self-deploy and execute a wide range of vertical lift missions that are currently beyond the reach of existing aircraft.
“We are delighted to be part of the V-280 Valor Team and this historic program to provide our warfighters with this transformational capability,” said Mark Graczyk, President of Military Aircraft business, Moog. “We have a long history with Bell, and in 2013 made the strategic decision to align our interests and resources to secure this important win for our companies. We are proud to be part of this program which will provide warfighters with an unparalleled combination of range, speed, and combat capability,” he further added.
This partnership between Moog and Bell represents a significant step forward in advancing the FLRAA program, which holds the potential to revolutionize the capabilities of the U.S. Army’s aviation assets. With Moog’s expertise and Bell’s innovative V-280 Valor tiltrotor, the program aims to provide the Army with a cutting-edge solution that enhances its operational readiness and effectiveness.
The FLRAA program is not only poised to deliver improved performance and operational flexibility but also promises enhanced maintainability and reliability. It is aligned with the broader goals of streamlining procurement, operations, support, and force structure while introducing groundbreaking capabilities to U.S. Army aviation.