Bell reveals FCX-001 future helicopter concept

[Zarvan]

An artist's impression of the FCX-001 concept that will incorporate future technologies. Source: Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter has unveiled a new concept helicopter to help develop 'safer, smarter, and more efficient' rotorcraft solutions of the future.

Artist impressions of the FCX-001, as the concept aircraft is known, were revealed at the HAI HELI-EXPO event taking place in Dallas in early March.

According to the company, Bell set up a team in September 2016 for the purpose of focusing on emerging technologies to incorporate into the company's portfolio of platforms. The FCX-001 is the result of those studies.

As noted by Bell, technologies included in the new concept include a new anti-torque system in the tail boom designed to change the safety, noise, and performance parameters; hybrid propulsion systems; advanced and sustainable airframe structures; new landing gear geometries; morphing main rotor blades to optimise performance in different flight modes; a single-pilot flight deck with augmented reality and artificial intelligence assistance; as well as a modular passenger cabin featuring augmented reality.

"The FCX-001 points the way for our future: a renewed focus on innovative solutions and technologies," Bell CEO Mitch Snyder said in a statement on the concept. "When the time is right we look forward to sharing more of what we're doing behind closed doors."

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Although chiefly geared for the commercial sector, many of the technologies being touted for the FCX-001 concept will no doubt find their way onto military platforms also. (Bell Helicopter)

The FCX-001 concept features a single-pilot flight deck with augmented reality and artificial intelligence assistance. (Bell Helicopter)




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