Bell Helicopter chooses Eaton hydraulics and power generation system for Bell V-280 Valor

FORT WORTH, Texas, 6 May 2014. Engineers at Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE:TXT), sought a hydraulic system for the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor. They found their solution at power-management company Eaton (NYSE:ETN).

Eaton's contributions will include: system design and analysis, component modification and qualification, and flight-testing support.

Eaton's products and technologies for the V-280 hydraulic system support power generation, fluid control, and fluid distribution, and includes engine driven pumps, reservoirs, fuses, hoses, quick disconnects, tubing, and the main engine starting subsystem.

“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," says Uday Yadav, president of Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “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.”

“Eaton is teaming with Bell to provide a complete hydraulic system for the V-280,” adds 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 tiltrotor technology more affordable.”

The features of Bell Helicopter's third generation tiltrotor technologies within the Joint Multi Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) reduce risk and inform the requirements for the Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program, officials say. 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. The Bell V-280 Valor will offer commanders a combat maneuver platform with the unmatched operational agility and effectiveness to self-deploy and perform multiple vertical lift missions.

Bell Helicopter President and CEO John Garrison presents Mark Schmidt, sales director, Eaton fuel & motion control division, a Bell V-280 model at the 2014 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit in Nashville, Tenn.