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2022-12-10 Science & Technology

Is the V-280 Valor the right choice for the Army?

[YouTube] On Monday, the Army announced that Bell’s V-280 Valor has won the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition aimed at fielding a modern replacement for the legendary UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The contract award, potentially worth as much as $1.2 billion, will fund ongoing development of the platform heading toward a production contract worth tens of billions of dollars.

But many have voiced concerns about the Valor's ability to do the job... So we set out to find answers to your most pressing questions.
My take on this as a light infantry guy from the 101st that flew in UH-60s:

I love the fact it is so much faster. I love the fact it can carry 25% more weight for the same squad size (sling load heaven). We never touched our UH-60s down on the ground to unload. A stationary helicopter is a very juicy target. It came in at 10-15mph about 4-5 feet off the ground and we chucked our rucksacks out and jumped. (Really sucked at Camp Lejeune where we had a carpet of plants on a tidal flat and it looked like solid ground at 4 feet, but there was 5 feet of water under that.) With the side doors, that looks possible.

With the UH-60, we could land in very tight LZs in the woods that were technically tighter than the diameter of the rotor. It can take off branches 4in diameter just fine and we did on a regular basis. With the larger V-280, some smaller but closer LZs are not available and you may be landing light infantry 5km further back. That is a long fucking walk with a full combat load and a 80lb pack. 30 minutes to 1 hour away. Also medivacs may have to land farther away. Goodbye golden hour in some situations.

There are trade offs, just like every other military system.

If we are really fighting in the South China Sea, this system will be a godsend and really be useful. If we are fighting in tight jungles, it could be a huge pain in the ass and more trouble than it is worth. I would argue to keep some UH-60 like capability for the jungle type scenario while making the V-280s.

Best of both worlds.

Posted by DarthVader 2022-12-10 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11138 views ] Top

#1 good info, Darth

Posted by Mercutio 2022-12-10 09:13|| 2022-12-10 09:13|| Front Page Top

#2 Doesn't matter if it's right. It just has to be new.
When the Army came out with the specs for bid for the replacement for the Kiowa (basically a Bell JetRanger), it was "Just like the Kiowa, only different and new."

Posted by ed in texas 2022-12-10 09:48|| 2022-12-10 09:48|| Front Page Top

#3 Darth, though not a military vet, those were my thoughts exactly.

Posted by Deacon Blues 2022-12-10 10:49|| 2022-12-10 10:49|| Front Page Top

#4 /\ In my view....American taxpayers are "veterans" as well !

* Thank you for sending me to college at your expense not once, but three times.

* Thank you for paying my wages, benefits, and retirement.

* Thank you for providing housing for may family.

* Thank you for providing elementary school for my children.

* Thank you for covering the cost of my cancer treatment at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

* Thank you for TRICARE medical coverage.

Thank you !

Posted by Besoeker 2022-12-10 11:11|| 2022-12-10 11:11|| Front Page Top

#5 My take on this from the TOC...this is a QRF support system that can launch from much farther away, carry a team and sling a battle-ready 'last mile' transport and still arrive in a timely fashion.

Posted by Skidmark 2022-12-10 13:02|| 2022-12-10 13:02|| Front Page Top

#6 A Reality Check On The Army Picking V-280 Valor Over SB>1 Defiant

Posted by Skidmark 2022-12-10 13:10|| 2022-12-10 13:10|| Front Page Top

#7 I do think I would like to see a modular version that would allow fork lift removal of either rotor assembly for maintenance without removing the entire airframe from service.

Posted by Skidmark 2022-12-10 13:19|| 2022-12-10 13:19|| Front Page Top

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