Bell and Pratt & Whitney are collaborating on propulsion solutions for the development of high-speed VTOL technology, which will enable vehicles that blend the maneuverability of a helicopter with the speed, range and survivability features of a fighter aircraft. Bell's HSVTOL technology may serve a variety of complex missions in the future battlespace for runway independent agile mobility, SOF infil/exfil, personnel recovery, and Strike/ISR.

“We're excited to dig into HSVTOL propulsion technology research with Bell and showcase what this next generation capability could bring to USAF and other warfighters,” says Dr. Steven Burd, Director and Chief Engineer of Advanced Military Engine Programs, Pratt & Whitney.

Bell continues to work with the U.S. government and its industry partners to reduce risk and develop capability requirements, and is having open discussions and collaborating with industry thought leaders, including Pratt & Whitney, to rapidly deliver HSVTOL capabilities to the warfighter.

“HSVTOL propulsion technology is one of the key technical areas to develop for future capability, and we're thrilled to leverage expertise from Pratt & Whitney to explore ways to mature technology for these concepts,” says Lee Anderson, Director of Innovation, Bell.

HSVTOL technology leverages existing Bell experience with the development of high-speed vertical lift aircraft, with the Bell 360 Invictus achieving over 200 knots, and the Bell V-280 Valor cruising to over 300 knots. HSVTOL development unlocks next generation capability for speed, range, and survivability. HSVTOL's runway flexibility provides the capability to use runways with conventional jet takeoff when runways are intact and independence with short field takeoff and vertical takeoff when runways are compromised.