The Bell V-280 Valor experimental tiltrotor built for the US Army future vertical lift demonstration program continues its development.

The V-280 flew for the first time with Lockheed Martin's Pilotage Distributed Aperture Sensor (PDAS) which generates high-resolution, 360-degree imagery around the aircraft to enhance situational awareness for pilots and other users.

It also completed first trials using fast-roping, a technique commonly used by helicopters to deployed troops in places where they cannot touch down.

Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES)

Fast-ropers leaving the V-280 through the two six-foot / 1.8 meters slide doors will avoid the hot air from the engine going out backwards like in the V-22 Osprey. The wing placement protects them from the downwash.