Bell Helicopter unveiled plans for the Bell V-280 Valor – a “Future Vertical Lift” aircraft with twice the speed and range of earlier models – at the Army Aviation Association of America’s (AAAA) professional forum and expostion in Fort Worth April 10-13. The Valor, still in early stages of development, features state-of-the-art 3rd generation tiltrotor technology specifically tailored to the unique demands of the United States Army, a Bell spokesman said. “Introduction of the Bell V-280 Valor underscores our commitment to our military customers,” said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell. “The Bell V-280’s unmatched capabilities in speed, range and payload and its operational agility combine to deliver the best value for the Army.” Bell presented a detailed model and video showing off plans for the new aircraft, which has a cruise speed of 280 knots and combat range of up to 800 nautical miles. Bell officials are among those from about 200 companies dealing with various areas of defense who are exhibiting the latest technology in weapons systems, communications systems and full-size mock-ups of new military aircraft at the national meeting. Lockheed Martin’s star of this year’s show is the “Fury 1500 Unmanned Air System,” which is already under production in California. A Lockheed spokesman said several of the unmanned aircraft have already been sold to “undisclosed customers” and are in fact “already in the air.” Lockheed is showing off the tactical warfighter in an impressive video at the exposition, which is open through Saturday.