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Bell tests autonomy software in V-280 Valor, paving way for first autonomous flight - Vertical
Magazine:
Bell is preparing the V-280 for autonomous flight tests, having recently loaded the software for autonomous flight into the aircraft to begin the process of regression testing.
The OEM began these tests, which prove compatibility with the aircraft’s systems, in early December. Once complete, it will begin envelope expansion with the autonomy software, with the first autonomous flight targeted within “the next couple of months,” Ryan Ehinger, program manager of the V-280 Valor, told reporters during a recent media visit to the manufacturer’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
“Essentially there’ll be a lift to a hover . . . a conversion [to forward flight], fly around the pattern in cruise mode, and then return back and land autonomously,” he said of the first autonomous flight. The aircraft will be manned by two safety pilots during the initial experimental envelope expansion stage, as the software proves out its capability.
Bell is developing the V-280 under the U.S. Army’s Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstration (JMR-TD) program. It will be the manufacturer’s submission for the upcoming Future Long Range Assault Aircraft [FLRAA] program, which seeks to provide a medium-lift assault aircraft to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk...........read rest of article
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