Bell Helicopter taps Eaton for hydraulic system

FORTH WORTH, Texas – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced today that power management company Eaton will provide the hydraulic system for the Bell V-280 Valor.
Eaton’s contributions will include system design and analysis, component modification and qualification, and flight-testing support, Textron said.
“We are pleased Eaton is making the strategic decision to join our growing team of aerospace leaders and help develop our third generation tilt-rotor, the Bell V-280. Eaton is teaming with Bell to provide a complete hydraulic system for the V-280,” said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “Team Valor continues to align interests and resources on this clean sheet design, together delivering technology and innovation that reduces cost, weight and complexity in order to make the next generation of tilt-rotor technology more affordable.”
The V-280 is designed to feature increased maintainability and component and systems reliability, while providing twice the speed and range of the U.S. Army’s current fleet, Textron said. The Bell V-280 Valor will offer commanders a combat maneuver platform with improved operational agility and effectiveness to self-deploy and perform multiple vertical-lift missions.
“Eaton’s selection as the V-280 hydraulic system supplier is based on our extensive track record of providing reliable, cost-effective solutions for next-generation aircraft,” said Uday Yadav, president of Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “Our expertise in hydraulic system design, development and integration will help Bell Helicopter and Team Valor produce a revolutionary aircraft that strengthens the U.S. Army’s operational capabilities.”