Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) part of team delivering on next generation of vertical flight
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, continues to execute to plan on the V-280 Valor tilt-rotor with the support of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) as part of Team Valor. IAI’s LAHAV Division supplies the nacelles and IAI’s GOLAN INDUSTRIES Division supplies seating systems for the next generation tilt-rotor and, along with 10 additional premier aerospace companies, is working to deliver the leap-ahead performance of the V-280 to the war-fighter.
“IAI integrated seamlessly into Team Valor’s digital engineering and manufacturing environment and delivered highly specialized parts on schedule and with exacting detail,” said Lisa Atherton, Bell Helicopter executive vice president of Military Business. “In addition to the crew seats, IAI has provided more than 700 details and assemblies including sheet metal formings, fabricated composites, and additive manufacturing details. These are all vital elements which make up the V-280 Valor’s revolutionary fixed engine/rotating proprotor nacelles. IAI continues to be a vital and valued part of the V-280 program.”
The Tel Aviv based aerospace company joined the V-280 effort in October of 2014. IAI deliveries for the V-280 started in May 2015 and concluded in August 2016. Participation in the V-280 program called for IAI to become the first international teammate to be integrated into the Bell Helicopter digital environment, enabling rapid collaboration and reduced lead time.
“Our company has earned a global reputation as a leader in aerospace technologies, and we are happy to use our advanced capabilities to create this unique and technologically advanced aerial platform,” said Shaul Shahar, IAI’s executive vice president and general manager of the Military Aircraft Group.“IAI’s unique manufacturing processes allow cost reduction, enabling Team Valor to deliver a high quality and affordable tilt-rotor aircraft. We are proud of our contribution to the Bell V-280 Valor and believe our relationship with Bell Helicopter will continue to be strengthened in the future.”
The advanced technology of tilt-rotor flight delivers unmatched efficiency and range unavailable with traditional aircraft. The V-280 provides the high speeds and endurance of fixed wing flight while also providing low speed agility and flexibility of rotary flight mode.
IAI offers a wide array of services for the maintenance, refurbishment, and upgrade of military aircraft and helicopters. The company utilizes a broad supply chain which incorporates several Israeli and U.S. suppliers. In addition to providing parts for the V-280, IAI worked alongside Bell Materials and Processes Control to help certify several international suppliers in accordance with Bell Helicopter process specifications.
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