Eaton's Hydraulic Technology Powers Bell V-280 Valor First Flight

As members of Team Valor, power management company Eaton and Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, closed 2017 on an uplifting note with the successful first flight of the Bell V-280 Valor. Created and led by Bell Helicopter, Team Valor is a group of leading aerospace companies working together to develop the next generation of vertical lift aircraft for the U.S. Army. Eaton provided components for the V-280’s hydraulic power generation system along with system design and analysis support, component modification and qualification, and flight-test support.

“Eaton continues paving the way for next-generation aircraft by building on our legacy as a technology leader and innovator,” said Nanda Kumar, president of Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “Eaton is honored to work with Bell Helicopter to develop a revolutionary aircraft that strengthens the U.S. Army's operational capabilities, and we congratulate fellow members of Team Valor for a successful first flight.”

With twice the speed and range of conventional helicopters, the Bell V-280 Valor will offer the U.S. Army unmatched operational agility to self-deploy and perform a multitude of vertical lift missions unachievable with current aircraft. Eaton worked closely with Bell Helicopter on all phases of hydraulic power generation system design, development and integration to provide component hardware required for optimal system performance.

In the aerospace industry, Eaton is a leading supplier of products and technologies for hydraulic systems, fuel and inerting systems, motion control and engine solutions. Eaton's portfolio includes hydraulic engine-driven and electro-hydraulic pumps, control and storage equipment, distribution components and motors; engine and airframe fuel pumps, fuel-control valves, aerial- and ground-fueling equipment, lightning protection devices, and fuel-gauging and fuel-inerting systems; electrical generators, secondary flight-control actuators, door and utility actuators, and nose wheel steering and actuation-control systems; air-distribution products, pressure sensors, static and dynamic seals, and fluid-health monitoring products and systems; and aftermarket service and support. Eaton serves commercial and military aerospace, marine, and defense markets worldwide.