BELL 301 XV-15

Characteristics Características	Information Información
First Flight Primer Vuelo	1980
Seating Capacity Asientos	2 /
Empty Weight Peso Vacío	4341 Kgs.
Maximum Weight (Int.) Peso Máximo (Int.)	5897 Kgs.
Maximum Weight (Ext.) Peso Máximo (Ext.)	Lbs.
Engine Motor	2 Avco Lycoming LTC1K-4K
Power Potencia	1550 ea / Cont.
Transmission Rating Límite de Transmisión	/ Cont.
V.N.E. V.N.E	300 Kts.
Vel. Cruise Vel. crucero	Kts.
Hover Ceiling O.G.E. Estacionario O.G.E	Fts.
Hover Ceiling I.G.E. Estacionario I.G.E	Fts.
Maximum Range (Std) Alcance (Std)	450 NM

The development of the XV-15 Tiltrotor research aircraft was initiated in 1973 with joint Army/NASA funding as a "proof of concept", or "technology demonstrator" program, with two aircraft being built by Bell Helicopter Textron (BHT) in 1977. Ship number 1 was given NASA number 702, and ship #2 was 703. Aircraft development, airworthiness testing, and the basic "proof of concept" testing were completed in September 1979. NASA Ames Research Center, where most of the NASA research is conducted, continues to be in charge of the joint NASA/Army/Bell program.For takeoff, the proprotors and their engines are used in the straight-up position where the thrust is directed downward. The XV-15 then climbs vertically into the air like a helicopter. In this VTOL mode, the vehicle can lift off and hover for approximately one hour. Once off the ground, the XV-15 has the ability to fly in one of two different modes. It can fly as a helicopter, in the partially converted airplane mode. The XV-15 can also then convert from the helicopter mode to the airplane mode. This is accomplished by continuous rotation of the proprotors from the helicopter rotor position to the conventional airplane propeller position. During the ten to fifteen second conversion period, the aircraft speed increases and lift is transferred from the rotors to the wing.