Bell Helicopters and Boeing are conducting design and feasibility studies into a civil tilt-rotor aircraft capable of carrying up to 11 people. The study on a vehicle known as the D600 follows work completed by the two companies on the military V-22 Osprey. The work could be completed by the end of the year. Allison Engines has already been in discussions over the possible supply of power plants.
Source: Flight International
More than a year after a fatal V-22 crash killed eight US Air Force personnel, a recent “near-crash” has prompted the Pentagon to order fleet-wide inspections of a problematic component, while plans for a long-term mechanical fix remain uncertain.
The Spanish air force has taken delivery of its first NH Industries NH90 tactical transport helicopter, launching its introduction of the type’s latest Standard 3 configuration.
Bell is to establish a new component manufacturing facility in support of the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) programme in Fort Worth, Texas.
