Aviation
Meet the Bell 360, the latest rival to the Sikorsky Raider X.
Meet the Bell 360, a new challenger to the Sikorsky Raider X. Bell, the world’s most recognizable commercial helicopter manufacturer, has created a new combat helicopter.
Bell, the world’s most recognized commercial helicopter manufacturer, has developed a new combat helicopter that will compete with the Sikorsky Raider X chopper.
The first prototype of the Bell 360 invictus, which means unconquerable in Latin, was recently shown. After engine development, the helicopter is ready for testing.
The Invictus is a conventional helicopter with fast speed and low cost that was initially introduced in 2019. The helicopter, like many modern attack helicopters, has a tandem seat structure. The design is similar to the Tiger helicopter from Airbus and the Light combat helicopter from HAL India. However, the bell has an unusual design with a low radar cross section area, which is not the primary design aim.
It has four 40-foot-diameter rotor blades, an active horizontal stabiliser, and a slanted and shrouded tail rotor positioned below the shrouded rotor hub. Missiles are launched from launchers that are integrated. The aircraft appears aerodynamic, and the rotator is covered for improved air flow around the spin. The rotor diameter is determined by US Army specifications, which specify the maximum diameter for FARA contenders in order for the rotorcraft to fit between buildings on future battlefields.
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The Bell helicopter prototype currently lacks a functional engine. However, the General Electric T901 engine will be installed shortly. Following the construction of the engine, this helicopter will be tested at a speed of 180 knots or 330 kilometres per hour.
Pratt & Whitney also manufactures the Auxiliary power units system for helicopters. It can be used as a backup power source for the systems
This helicopter will be outfitted with advanced armaments such as the AGM 114 Hellfire, AGM 179 JAGM missiles of the XM 915 – 20 mm auto gun, and two launchers with four missiles.
The US Army requires a cruising speed of more than 180 knots (330 km/h), which the 360 is designed to meet; the 525 rotor system has been tested to achieve 200 knots (370 km/h). At moderate to high speeds, the stub wings are designed to create lift equivalent to around 50% of the aircraft’s weight. With at least 90 minutes on station, the combat radius will be 135 nautical miles (250 km). Fly-by-wire control will be used.
Aviation
Aeroflot Buys Used Planes for Spare Parts Amid Sanctions
In the face of ongoing Western sanctions that have severely impacted Russia’s aviation industry, Aeroflot, the country’s largest airline, has devised a strategic plan to bolster its fleet’s spare parts inventory.
The airline is set to acquire five Boeing 737-800BCF freighters from Atran Airlines, a move that will allow it to dismantle the aircraft for critical components. The planes, which will be transferred to Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, will not be converted into passenger jets but instead will be stripped for valuable parts to support existing operations.
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Aeroflot’s plan to purchase these Boeing 737-800BCF freighters comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, which have crippled the Russian aviation sector. With the sanctions restricting access to essential aircraft parts and spare components, Aeroflot is exploring alternative ways to maintain and repair its fleet.
Instead of converting the freighters from cargo to passenger planes, a process deemed “unreasonably expensive” under current sanctions, the airline intends to focus on extracting high-value components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and other essential systems.
The deal will be structured in a way that allows Aeroflot to indirectly purchase the freighters through an insurance settlement with the aircraft’s lessor, AerCap.
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The Russian government’s insurance company will reimburse the aircraft’s value, and the planes will then be leased back to local operators. This method circumvents some of the restrictions imposed by international sanctions while ensuring that the airline gains access to the necessary components to support its fleet.
By dismantling the aircraft for spare parts, Aeroflot aims to secure critical resources for the ongoing maintenance of its existing fleet. Components from the Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, such as engines and avionics, are expected to be reused in other aircraft within Aeroflot’s network, ensuring that the airline can keep its operations running smoothly
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