Bell V-247 Vigilant

The Bell V‑247 Vigilant is a twin‑engine, tilt‑rotor aircraft developed by Bell Textron as a modern evolution of the company’s legacy in vertical lift technology. Announced in 2021, the Vigilant builds on lessons learned from the iconic V‑22 Osprey and the earlier V‑280 Valor, aiming to deliver improved speed, range, and payload for both military and civil markets. Its design features a rigid, high‑speed composite rotor system that can pivot from vertical to horizontal position in seconds, allowing vertical take‑off and landing as well as efficient cruise at up to Mach 0.9. Powered by two General Electric turbofan engines, the aircraft offers a maximum take‑off weight of roughly 30,000 lb, a payload capacity of 8,000 lb, and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles. Advanced fly‑by‑wire controls, integrated avionics, and a modular interior enable rapid role changes between troop transport, cargo, or reconnaissance missions. The V‑247’s significance lies in its potential to bridge the gap between helicopters and fixed‑wing jets, providing unprecedented operational flexibility and reducing logistical footprints for armed forces worldwide, while also opening new possibilities for offshore oil, search‑and‑rescue, and commercial transport applications.