Status Report on XV-15 Tilt Rotor Test Program

The XV-15 Tilt Rotor Research Aircraft Program has progressed from the design and fabrication stage to the test phase and is now beginning that portion of the program which will culminate in the determination of the viability of this promising concept. This paper will review the joint Army/NASA/Bell Helicopter Textron (BHT) XV-15 program as it currently stands, including the results of the experience gained during the design and fabrication phases and testing to date. Highlights of the overall Tilt Rotor Program will be discussed exploring the potential of this concept to result in a new generation of highly productive VTOL systems.