Bell Helicopter Expects Tiltrotor’s Unique Combination of Speed, Range and Payload to be the Future of Vertical Flight
Defence Turkey: In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2015? How do you assess Bell Helicopter’s position in 2016? What are 2016 targets?
Bell Helicopter’s military programs continue to deliver and perform. 2015 was one of our best years, and we expanded our international military sales by over 500%. In fact, Bell’s resurgence into the military market has taken the industry by storm and we see huge growth potential in 2016 taking large market share from Boeing, Sikorski, Airbus, and others.
Defence Turkey: Could you please enlighten us about your Military helicopters?
Bell Helicopter produces and maintains the most robust and state-of-the-art combat helicopters in the world, which include the UH-1Y, AH-1Z and V-22.
The UH-1Y and AH-1Z are just now entering into the international market, setting new records for affordability, performance and combat effectiveness. As the mainstay of US Marine Corps combat rotorcraft, they offer the most effective and efficient means of accomplishing an array of missions, anywhere in the world. The two airframes boast an amazing 85% commonality of parts, significantly reducing the logistics footprint, training costs and burdens on the supply system. Most remarkably, these state-of-the-art helicopters boast a 30% reduction in Life Cycle Costs (LCC) over all current and legacy equivalent platforms.
The Yankee (Venom) and Zulu (Viper) are both operated by the Marine Corps, which has reinvented both utility and attack helicopters into ones that are more comprehensive in functionality and capability.
Upgrades in ISR, targeting, precision fires, lift, and operational reach represent a giant leap in the capability to support the utility and attack mission spectrum
New, marinized airframes well-matched to state-of-the-art sensors, also, providing corrosion resistance in sea/coastal/humid environments
The V-22 tiltrotor is now referred to as the most in-demand aircraft in the United States Marine Corps. The Osprey has proven its worth with nearly 300,000 flight hours in humanitarian aid campaigns, rapid response emergency evacuations and long-range logistical support. The versatile Osprey has become the United States crisis response platform of choice. Supporting earthquake relief in Nepal in May 2015, the airports in Kathmandu were damaged in the earthquake. The V-22s were dispatched from Okinawa to get much needed food and medicine into the hard-to-reach and high-altitude locations across Nepal.
The V-22 has proven a highly effective platform for long-range combat search and rescue (CSAR) and in personnel recovery, given its speed and range. This was demonstrated in the rescue of the F-15 Pilot downed over Libya where a V-22 executed a safe recovery and return of the pilot to a ship faster than a helicopter could have even reached him.
Defence Turkey: How would you assess your position in the defense industry market? What are your ongoing programs and achievements taken in recent years in global markets?
Bell Helicopter has been setting the global standard in the rotorcraft business for the past 80 years. We invented the combat utility and attack helicopters, which all modern day versions are derived from. Bell’s entry in the tiltrotor market with the V-22 was evolutionary, and set the standard for global military engagements as well as humanitarian relief operations.
Bell recently enjoyed their first international military sales in 20 years to Japan (V-22) and Pakistan (AH-1Z), marking a resurgence in Bell’s military portfolio and prowess. On the horizon, the Bell V-280 is defining the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) requirements for the US Army and other services. We see tiltrotor as the future that will eventually make all conventional helicopters obsolete
Defence Turkey: As it is well known that, The V-22 Osprey is the world’s first production tiltrotor aircraft. Could you please enlighten us about the program in details? What is the role of Bell Helicopter as one of the prime contractors in this program?
The Bell Boeing team is constantly working on ways to add to the Osprey’s already versatile portfolio of capabilities. The companies are in the process of developing or demonstrating an offensive weapons capability for the V-22 that includes the ability to forward-fire rockets and missiles. In addition to this, the team is also working on further development of the capability for performing as a tanker, refueling fighters and other military aircraft while airborne. No requirement exists for these capabilities yet from the V-22 operators, but the ongoing enhancement efforts underscore the fact that the book is still being written on what the V-22 is capable of. We’ve also fielded an Inlet Barrier Filter which has substantially increased Engine On Wing Time (EOWT) and reduced maintenance hours and cost per flight hour.
The Marine Corps recently conducted an exercise on the USS Wasp involving the V-22s and the F-35Bs. THE USMC is testing how the F-35b performs with deck operations designed to simulate combat conditions, and part of this picture is to see how the V-22 can fit into a concept of operations that includes tiltrotor. Part of this exercise included the internal delivery of an F135 power module on a sled designed by Pratt Whitney. The ability to resupply the F-35 engine modules at sea is one of the key parts of the V-22 Carrier Onboard Delivery mission. This is just the start of what a new aviation-optimized amphibious force could accomplish when integrated with the versatility of the V-22 platform.
Defence Turkey: What can you say about technical capabilities and technological competence about V22?
With the nature of an increasingly interconnected global economy and geopolitical instability with transnational threats, all regions of the world see an increasing demand for technologies that support national security and help save lives. Tiltrotor is one such technology. Its unique combination of speed, range and payload make the V-22 tiltrotor the most in-demand aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps. The USMC uses the V-22 around the world to not only protect U.S. and allied interests, but also to support life saving operations in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
In today’s contested and Anti-Access Area Denial (A2D) environment, the necessity for technologies which maintain and even increase operational maneuver are even more important. Tiltrotor is one such transformational technology, which does exactly that. It is expected that as the proven performance, understanding and acceptance of tiltrotor technology continues to inevitably increase, so will its demand in the global market. Bell Helicopter expects tiltrotor’s unique combination of speed, range and payload to be the future of vertical flight for global militaries as well as for commercial applications, which demand that unique combination of performance in complex missions such as Search and Rescue.
The V-22 is an expeditionary aircraft whose missions require it to deploy on U.S. Navy ships. As a result the Osprey is designed and manufactured to withstand the harsh environment aboard an ocean going vessel. Marine and Navy aircraft built by Bell Helicopter are designed to withstand most environmental conditions, not simply ocean environments. This is important for any operations, close to the ocean or not. Countries that have purchased other products have found that corrosion is a significant issue that must be addressed continually if the airframe they purchased was not specifically designed to operate in challenging environments. Those militaries that invest in corrosion prevention have seen a higher return with regard to aircraft availability than those that did not purchase an expeditionary or marinized aircraft.
Defence Turkey: Could you please tell us about versions and different configurations of V22 for Navy, Air Forces and other civil and security Missions?
Since entering into service in 2007, the Osprey has achieved outstanding mission success in deployments around the world. The V-22 is the safest aircraft operated by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), and offers operators a full spectrum of mission capability. This includes raids, Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR), resupply, VIP transport, and theater security cooperation.
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) CV-22: Mission profiles include long-range special operations, evacuations and maritime special operations, and contingency operations. Bell Boeing has delivered a total of 44 CV-22 aircraft so far.
United States Marine Corps MV-22: Mission profiles include amphibious assault, sustained land operations, and self-deployment. Since the MV-22 was initially deployed in June 2007, it has been deployed in varying roles across the globe in support of contingency operations. Bell Boeing has delivered a total of 242 MV-22 aircraft so far.
The U.S. Navy’s decision to procure 44 V-22s for the vital Carrier Onboard Delivery mission reinforces the critical requirement for tiltrotor aircraft that can transform naval logistics around the world.
Defence Turkey: What are the ongoing programs for V22 and H-1 on local and international platforms?
The Japan Self Defense Force announced its procurement of 5 V-22, with the current intent to procure 12 more for a total of 17 V-22, which is a leading indicator of the developing global understanding and demand for tiltrotor technology the unique increased capabilities it brings to the warfighter.
As part of a recent contract award from the U.S. Navy, Bell Helicopter will manufacture and deliver three AH-1Z “Viper” helicopters for the Pakistan Army. This contract calls for the AH-1Z helicopters along with additional equipment, training, and logistical support. The work will occur at the Bell Helicopter manufacturing facility in Ft. Worth, Texas, and at the company’s aircraft assembly facility in Amarillo, Texas.
We have received positive feedback from many countries for the UH-1Y, AH-1Z and V-22. Foreign military sales are government to government transactions. The process can be very involved, and timelines can shift. Our aircraft continue to garner interest and we stand ready to work with our in-country partners to support our Governments for any international sales.
Defence Turkey: You have strengthened your presence in Turkey by establishing a new office with Elibra. Could you please inform us about this new structure and cooperation with Elibra?
Elibra Global is Bells trusted consultant and agent in Turkey. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the rotorcraft industry, and are serving the company well as a forward positioned advocate and agent for Bell products.
Defence Turkey: Could you please inform us about your activities performed over the years in Turkey? What is your assessment on the future cooperation opportunities in Turkey?
Bell Helicopter is enthusiastic about growth opportunities in Europe, and we see a large potential in the Turkish market. Recent sales:
Bell Helicopter announced its facility in Prague, Czech Republic delivered two commercially registered Bell 429 aircraft to Turkey. The aircraft were delivered to Saran Aviation and were highly customized in a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) configuration. The customization also included a TCAS system, full cabin audio communication system, marker beacon, maritime communication radio, loud hailer, moving map and an upgraded GPS system. Based in Istanbul, Saran Aviation, a Saran Holding Group company, will fly the Bell 429s for helicopter emergency medical services. In conjunction with TAA Gökçen Aviation, Saran Aviation’s air ambulance services enable immediate and effective emergency intervention in situations where ground transportation would be inefficient or protracted, resulting in greater risk to the patient to receive timely medical care.
The Turkish National Police purchased 15 Bell 429s to be used as multi-mission airborne platforms flown across the full array of law enforcement missions from surveillance to air support of ground operations
The Bell 429 was selected for its superior performance, low operating costs and ease of maintenance. In addition, Bell Helicopter’s industry-leading customer support and service was a key factor in the selection
The Bell 429 was selected after an extensive evaluation period during which members of the Turkish National Police Undersecretariat for Defence Industries, SSM and Turkish Aeronautical Industries (TAI) visited several large helicopter OEM’s in North America and Europe
Five Bell 429 aircraft operated by the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry (TGDF) to protect forest resources and coordinate firefighting operation
These aircraft will be performing challenging tasks, including firefighting operations, in demanding environments
The TGDF will utilize the Bell 429s to survey and safeguard their woodland resources, comprising 27% of the surface area in Turkey
Defence Turkey: What is your approach to set up new partnerships with Turkish Defence Industry companies? Do you have any activities in this respect?
Bell is very interested in improving relationships with Turkish industry. Our pursuits in Turkey have been limited due to military interest in our products. We hope to expand our discussions with both the Turkish military and industry in 2016.
Defence Turkey: Could you please enlighten us about your R&D activities on new platforms and new technologies?
Bell Helicopter is developing a next-generation tiltrotor called the V-280 Valor. The design of the Bell V-280 Valor creates the capability to fly twice the range at double the speed of any existing helicopter. The V-280’s tiltrotor technology leverages vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability into a strategic and tactical advantage for battle planning. Bell Helicopter leads the industry with combat-proven tiltrotor technology, and has invested in the future of military rotorcraft with its next generation tiltrotor.
The V-280 program will build and fly an operational aircraft by 2017.
Defence Turkey: Finally would you like to add some information for our readers?
The geography of Turkey presents a complex set of environments in which to operate, from the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts in the south and east, to the sharply contrasting seasons of the inland Anatolian plateau and north to the shores of the Black sea. The sea and sand environments can both be unforgiving and unrelenting in their extremes – heat, cold, dust, mud, rain, salt spray, from sea level to the Armenian highlands. The H-1 class of helicopters and the V-22 are designed to operate aboard ships just as easily as land, thus they benefit from several key elements rarely (if ever) seen in helicopters designed to operate from fixed shore bases:
The airframes, internal components, and fittings are coated with corrosion resistant paints and seals to reduce the effects of salt water on the metal. This provides the aircraft with greater protection from sand, as it limits the ability for sand to work its way into the fittings.
The airframes are also designed to “shed” water so it is not captured anywhere in the airframe thus further preventing corrosion. This also provides a means to keep sand out of the aircraft as they can be washed / rinsed more easily as it is part of the design construct.
Maintaining the aircraft was based around a small manpower footprint (total numbers) because the total number of personnel that would be available aboard the ship would be limited. This resulted in a simple concept that can be accomplished aboard ship or in an austere (shore based) but not fixed based environment (a landing zone in a field vice a runway and a hangar).
The key asset to the design concept of these aircraft is that they were designed to be used by a mobile force in combat – a force called upon to respond quickly, and one which will forward deploy aviation assets in close proximity to the ground units; it was a design requirement for these aircraft to be rugged and operate from any environment in which the Marine Corps would be engaged, both afloat and ashore.
Aircraft designed for a maritime environment are more adept at operating in a desert environment – either a fixed base or an austere location, making the Bell Helicopter military products the perfect solution for almost any condition or environment.
