Bell XHawk experimental vehicle front starboard side
The X Hawk experimental vehicle on display at the Farnborough International Air Show This vehicle was developed from the original 1960 s Piasecki Flying Jeep VZ 8 by Urban Aeronautics Limited an Israeli company and is now being further developed under the wing of Bell Helicopter a Textron Inc NYSE TXT company . The X Hawk offers the vertical lift performance features of a helicopter but without exposed rotors . The ducted fan makes it quieter than conventional helicopters too . The X Hawk configuration is ideal for vertical lift missions in confined areas and particularly in the urban environment . A fancraft is an ideal candidate for emergency medical services EMS in commercial military roles . X Hawk is a rotorless Vertical Take Off and Landing VTOL aircraft . Exposed rotors make it dangerous or impossible for helicopters to manoeuver in complex urban and natural environments . The XHawk overcomes this problem and its modular cargo bay allows for versatile configurations that enable this aircraft to be an all around workhorse . Medical access and evacuation power line maintenance bridge inspection and ship to shore taxi service are justa few more examples that could benefit . This aircraft can even land in a crowd of people without compromising their safety . Urban Aeronautics proprietary control system U S Patent 6 464 166 . From the outset the X Hawk aircraft is designed to meet all FAA U S Federal Aviation Administration requirements . It is designed around FAA approved engines and rotors and safety requirements for powered lift vehicles all with a view to achieving certification . In spite of its revolutionary appearance X Hawk is based on proven technologies that have been around for quite some time . The vane system which enables X Hawk to manoeuvre laterally without the need to roll is essential when the mission necessitates hovering directly in contact with the side of a building or at other locations .
Size: 5007px × 3333px
Location: Farnborough Airfield Hampshire England Great Britain United Kingdom GB UK
Photo credit: © Christopher Barnes - Aviation / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: aeroplane, aircraft, aviation, bell, civilian, combat, concept, display, ducted, england, exhibit, exhibition, exhibitor, experimental, fan, fancraft, farnborough, fia, flight, fly, hampshire, helicopter, hover, innovative, latest, lift, manoeuverability, manoeuverable, military, modern, quiet, show, static, supported, trade, transport, transportation, uk, unusual, urban, vane, vehicle, versatile, vertical, vtol, xhawk
