Watch America's new generation hybrid helicopter take off for the first time

The V-280 Valor prototype successfully took off for the first time on December 18, marking the first flight of the new generation hybrid helicopter for the US Army.

The Aviationist magazine reported that the Bell V-280, serial number N280BH, conducted a test flight at the Amarillo Assembly Center test site and hovered in the air to test its operational capabilities.

The V-280 Valor is part of the Future Multi-Role Helicopter (FVL) project to replace the current UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache series of the US Army. The goal is to meet the requirements for rapid transportation and deployment of combat forces and cargo on the battlefield.

The released video shows the V-280 taking off vertically thanks to its 90-degree rotating engine. According to Bell Corporation, the V-280's rotating wing structure and engine are much simpler than its predecessor, the V-22 Osprey hybrid helicopter, reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance efforts as well as the risk of damage.

This amphibious aircraft is equipped with an electronic control system with two redundant channels and minimizes the possibility of problems.

With a crew of four, the V-280 Valor can carry 14 fully equipped soldiers. The V-280 Valor has a cruising speed of 520 km/h, a maximum range of 3,900 km, and an effective combat radius of about 900 - 1,500 km depending on the payload.

According to VNN