Bell has just released new images and videos of the new generation reconnaissance аttаck helicopter prototype 360 Invictus. Bell said the prototype is 90% complete and is expected to make its first test flight in 2023.
360 Invictus is Bell Textron’s “test” to participate in the Future аttаck Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) development program initiated by the US Army in 2018 and will be a rival to the Sikorsky Raider X. With 360 Invictus, Bell aims for a light аttаck reconnaissance helicopter platform that is primarily optimized for speed and relatively low production costs.
The latest images show the 360 Invictus taking shape with the body completed, at least on the outside. The general configuration of the 360 Invictus is typical of a modern armed helicopter, with the pilot and gunner sitting in a front-to-back arrangement, similar to the AH-64 Apache. The main rotor and tail rotor of the 360 Invictus both have 4 blades and this rotor system is borrowed from the Bell 525 Relentless. The original design concept showed that the 360 Invictus would have a tail rotor placed in a circular cage (fenestron – a famous design on the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter) but the first prototype had this design removed, making it more like the Relentless. Bell said this change is intended to reduce weight and improve aircraft performance.
Besides the almost complete design, the 360 Invictus prototype was displayed by Bell with full ammunitiоn. The weapon system on the 360 Invictus includes the XM915 20mm 3-barrel Gatling cannоn mounted under the nose and 2 mιssιle mounts with 4 on each side. As shown in the picture above, these hangers are exposed, but in fact the hanger mechanism can “retract” to help hide all the missiles carried in the fuselage when needed to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and performance. operating ability.
The 360 Invictus is said to be able to carry missiles such as the AGM-114 Hellfire or AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Mιssιle (JAGM) as well as the MD 969 universal launcher system (CLT). This launcher system can loaded with many different types of missiles or small drones. Standard with the MD 969 are 7 AGM-176 Griffin missiles – a precision guided munition from Raytheon. In the FARA program, the US Army envisions future helicopters being able to deploy unmanned systems under the “Air Launched Effects” (ALE) program. Previously, the US military successfully tested launching drones from helicopters flying from launch tubes, this was the first stepping stone towards ALE. Once launched, the drones will be able to operate in swarms to perform electronic аttаck, stalking attacks, reconnaissance and many other missions.
What’s missing from the 360 Invictus prototype is General Electric’s T901 turboshaft engine. According to the design, the engine will be placed to the left of the body below the rotor tower. Meanwhile, on the right side of the fuselage will be the PW207D1 engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada acting as auxiliary power (AP). The T901 engine will not be transferred to Bell by General Electric until November, so now to ensure design progress, Bell has used a 3D printed engine with the exact parameters of the T901 to install into the prototype. . “We’re doing everything we can to stay on schedule,” said Carl Coffman, Bell’s vice president of business operations and strategy. “Once we have the engine, everything will fit, the plane will available space for the engine.”
The 360 Invictus is expected to make its first test flight in mid-2023, which is in case the engine is delivered in November. This will be followed by a series of ground test programs. The goal for the 360 Invictus is to achieve a top speed of at least 180 knots (333 km/h).
The U.S. Army said that after the 360 Invictus and Raider .
The helicopter coming out of the FARA program will replace the AH-64 Apache and will also serve as a reconnaissance аttаck helicopter after the US Army retired the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior in 2014 without options. choose direct replacement. The future of the AH-64 Apache after being scrapped is still unclear.
The FARA program as well as other US Army helicopter modernization efforts are facing many big questions, especially about the effectiveness of helicopters after what was witnessed in the Ukrаine cоnflict. Russian and Ukrainian helicopters have both suffered major losses, especially under аttаck from surface-to-air missiles or man-portable air defense missiles (MANPADS). When launching the FARA program, the US Army also required the winning design to have defense mechanisms to protect against modern air defense threats.