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.

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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

Boeing, Antonov to Collaborate on Defense Projects

– MOU represents Boeing’s commitment to work with Ukrainian industry

– Includes exploring opportunities for collaborating on in-country support of Unmanned Aerial Systems

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by Boeing and Antonov Company to investigate potential collaboration on defense-related projects.

“We’re happy to keep collaborating with the Antonov Company to help Ukraine’s economic development and expansion,” stated Ted Colbert, CEO and president of Boeing Defence, Space, & Security.

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“This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defence Industry Compact earlier this year.”

The areas of potential collaboration identified in the agreement consist of training, logistical support and overhaul services for tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which includes the ScanEagle. In addition, the companies will also explore opportunities for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.

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“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” said Ievhen Gavrylov, CEO of Antonov Company.

This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions – in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.”