Bell Demonstrates Propeller-to-Jet Mode Conversion Test For HSVTOL Aircraft


 The Bell V-22 Osprey has been grounded by the US Marine Corps following two fatal incidents in a short period of time. The Osprey can perform vertical flight like a helicopter before the engine pod rotates forward for horizontal flight like a normal airplane. Following the issue which has already involved 16 accident incidents, a new VTOL vertical aircraft is being developed.



Beli is currently developing a different HSVTOL aircraft to the Osprey. It flies vertically using propellers before transitioning to horizontal flight at full speed with jet engines.


In jet mode, the helicopter's propellers are stored. this is the meaning of HS (High Speed) in the acronym HSVTOL. Bell's HSVTOL project was announced in 2021 and it will be offered in the form of a cargo plane, carrying infantry and even a drone.



A few days ago Dell shared a video of the HSVTOL engine performing a transition test from fan mode to engine to jet mode. The transition process only takes about two minutes. With the foldable propeller, air resistance can be reduced allowing the HSVTOL aircraft to fly at a speed of 740 km/h which is faster than the 512 km/h that the V-280 Valor can achieve.

Previous Post Next Post

Contact Form