Defence

The Bell Boeing V-22 test squadron at NAS Patuxent River in Maryland is evaluating whether the tiltrotor is capable of transporting external loads at speeds of up to 200kt (370km/h) to boost fuel efficiency.

The V-22 can cruise at 250kt, but its two hooks and associated external doors are limited to 200kt. A 155mm howitzer weighing around 4,530kg (10,000lb) can currently be carried at up to 130kt.

"Right now we're exploring how fast we can carry those loads," says Bill Sunnick, Boeing's business development manager for the V-22. "In theory we should be able to carry loads a lot faster. What you want to do is stop hanging off the rotors and fly off the wing."

Flying at 200kt would significantly reduce fuel consumption, says Sunnick, adding that the "sweet spot" would be the capability to do this with external loads of "12,000-13,000lb".

© Bell Boeing