Defense & Military
Woodward & Moog Power U.S. Army’s Next-Gen Tiltrotor Aircraft
The U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program represents a significant leap forward in military aviation, aiming to replace the aging Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. This initiative is part of the broader Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program, designed to modernize the Army’s aviation capabilities for future combat scenarios. At the heart of this transformation is the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft, which promises unmatched speed, range, and operational agility.
Woodward, a global leader in energy conversion and control solutions, has partnered with Moog, Inc. to provide advanced position sensors for the FLRAA program. These sensors are critical components integrated into Moog’s pylon conversion actuators, enabling the aircraft to transition seamlessly between vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) mode and airplane mode. This collaboration underscores the importance of cutting-edge technology in achieving the Army’s vision for next-generation aviation.
The FLRAA program is not just a technological milestone but also a strategic necessity. With a projected program value of $70 billion, including foreign military sales, it highlights the U.S. Army’s commitment to maintaining air superiority in increasingly complex and contested environments. The partnership between Woodward and Moog exemplifies the collaborative efforts required to bring such ambitious projects to fruition.
Woodward’s position sensors are a cornerstone of the FLRAA program’s success. These sensors are designed to deliver precise and reliable data, ensuring the smooth operation of Moog’s pylon conversion actuators. The actuators are responsible for transitioning the aircraft’s pylons from VTOL mode to airplane mode, a critical capability that enhances the aircraft’s operational versatility.
Jon Geisheimer, Woodward’s Vice President and General Manager of Electromechanical Systems & Electronics, emphasized the company’s long-standing relationship with Moog. “Woodward has a long history of providing electromechanical components to Moog for commercial and military flight control applications,” he said. “We are excited to support Moog and the FLRAA team with our position sensor technology.”
The integration of Woodward’s sensors into Moog’s actuators is a testament to the synergy between these two industry leaders. Their combined expertise ensures that the Bell V-280 Valor will meet the rigorous demands of modern military operations.
“Woodward has a long history of providing electromechanical components to Moog for commercial and military flight control applications and we are excited to support Moog and the FLRAA team with our position sensor technology.” – Jon Geisheimer, Woodward
The Bell V-280 Valor is the centerpiece of the FLRAA program, designed to deliver unprecedented performance metrics. With an unrefueled combat radius of 200-365 nautical miles and a maximum continuous cruise speed of 250-305 knots, the Valor outperforms traditional helicopters in both range and speed. Its payload capacity of up to 4,400 lbs further enhances its utility in diverse mission scenarios.
Ryan Ehinger, Senior Vice President and Program Director for FLRAA at Bell, highlighted the importance of Moog’s contributions. “Moog has supported the development and flight of the V-280 demonstrator for years with their critical flight control components,” he said. “We look forward to continuing to work with them on the FLRAA program.” The Valor’s tiltrotor design allows it to combine the vertical lift capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. This dual-mode functionality is made possible by Moog’s pylon conversion actuators, which rely on Woodward’s position sensors for precise control. Together, these technologies enable the Valor to operate effectively in challenging environments, from urban landscapes to remote battlefields.
The FLRAA program is a harbinger of the future of military aviation, emphasizing the need for advanced technologies and collaborative innovation. As the program progresses through its engineering and manufacturing development phase, it sets a precedent for other nations and industries to follow. The integration of tiltrotor technology into military operations could redefine the way armed forces approach logistics, reconnaissance, and combat missions.
Mark Graczyk, President of Military Aircraft at Moog, underscored the strategic significance of the FLRAA program. “We are delighted to be part of the V-280 Valor Team and this historic program to provide our warfighters with this transformational capability,” he said. “We have a long history with Bell, and in 2013 made the strategic decision to align our interests and resources to secure this important win for our companies.”
Looking ahead, the FLRAA program is expected to influence global military aviation trends, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific, where operational agility and long-range capabilities are paramount. The partnership between Woodward, Moog, and Bell Textron serves as a model for future collaborations, demonstrating how industry leaders can come together to achieve groundbreaking advancements.
The collaboration between Woodward and Moog in support of the U.S. Army’s FLRAA program highlights the critical role of advanced technology in modern military aviation. Their contributions to the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft underscore the importance of precision, reliability, and innovation in achieving operational excellence. As the FLRAA program moves forward, it promises to deliver transformative capabilities that will shape the future of military operations.
With its unparalleled speed, range, and versatility, the Bell V-280 Valor is poised to become a cornerstone of the U.S. Army’s aviation fleet. The partnership between Woodward, Moog, and Bell Textron exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to tackle complex challenges and drive progress in the aerospace industry. As the FLRAA program continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly inspire further advancements and set new standards for military aviation worldwide.
What is the FLRAA program? What is the Bell V-280 Valor? What role do Woodward and Moog play in the FLRAA program?
Woodward and Moog: Powering the U.S. Army’s Next-Gen Tiltrotor Aircraft
The Role of Woodward’s Position Sensors
Bell V-280 Valor: A Game-Changer for Military Aviation
Future Implications and Industry Trends
Conclusion
FAQ
The Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program is a U.S. Army initiative to develop a next-generation tiltrotor aircraft to replace the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
The Bell V-280 Valor is a tiltrotor aircraft designed for the FLRAA program, offering enhanced speed, range, and operational agility compared to traditional helicopters.
Woodward provides advanced position sensors integrated into Moog’s pylon conversion actuators, which enable the Bell V-280 Valor to transition between VTOL and airplane modes.
