Bell V-247 armed Tiltrotor drone for the Marines

[TomcatViP]

It's quite unique for a drone to lift so much. And it's the fastest!
I am not even sure that among the thousands Startups claiming to do vertical cargo delivery there is more than a couple dreaming of such numbers.

 

[yasotay]

Bell has been working on TR UAS for better part of a decade, if not longer. At one point I think they had a AW 609 based TR UAS that they tested the waters with. I do agree that the numbers are, at best, a stretch goal.

 

[TomS]

Bell has been working on TR UAS for better part of a decade, if not longer. At one point I think they had a AW 609 based TR UAS that they tested the waters with. I do agree that the numbers are, at best, a stretch goal.

Interest goes back to the TR911X and Eagle Eye in the 1990s.

Bell Eagle Eye - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[sferrin]

 

[TomS]

View attachment 684331

That's DARPA's rendering of a TERN concept, right? It looks to be a tail-sitter.

Weirdly enough, I don't think Bell pitched anything for TERN.

 

[yasotay]

DARPA rotorcraft efforts rarely get past the good idea phase. Those that do even more rarely make it to production.

 

[GTX]

Bell V-247

Runway independent and long range capable. Defined by endurance and autonomy, the Bell V-247 is the smart way to extend your reach. It’s multi-mission prepared and ready for reconnaissance or action.

www.bellflight.com

 

[Hydroman]

V247 and 360 Invictus for the USMC, Bell is doing something right with these platforms, evolves capabilities.

 

[yasotay]

360 Invictus is dead. The primary customer declined to move forward with the program. USMC has deferred on the V-247 as well.

An unfortunate turn for both programs, although the V-247 could find a customer.