First fuselage completed for Bell's V-280

WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The first fuselage for Bell Helicopter's V-280 Valor vertical lift aircraft has been completed by Spirit AeroSystems.

The fuselage for Bell's Multi-role Technology Demonstrator program aircraft was completed in just 22 months and is being prepared for shipment to Bell's final assembly facility in Texas.

"Delivering a fuselage from design to completion in 22 months is an amazing accomplishment," said Spirit President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Lawson. "Spirit's unique capability to design, build and deliver with the highest quality and lowest possible cost make us a great partner on revolutionary programs like the Bell V-280."

The V-280 Valor is Bell Helicopter's offering for the Army's JMR-TD program, which is a technology precursor to the Department of Defense's Future Vertical Lift program.

The program's goal is for replacement aircraft for medium-class utility and attack helicopters.