Bell MV-75A Cheyenne II

Full Specifications

Bell MV-75A Cheyenne II Tiltrotor

The Bell MV-75A Cheyenne II represents a significant leap in U.S. Army aviation, combining the vertical takeoff and landing agility of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. As the winner of the Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program, this next-generation tiltrotor is designed to transform battlefield mobility by extending operational reach and accelerating air assault timelines in contested environments.

Manufacturer and Origin

Developed by Bell Textron Inc. (a Textron company) in the United States, the MV-75A Cheyenne II evolved from the V-280 Valor technology demonstrator, which first flew in December 2017. The U.S. Army selected Bell’s design in December 2022 over the competing Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant. In April 2026, the aircraft received its official designation MV-75 and the name “Cheyenne II,” honoring both the U.S. Army’s founding year (1775) and the warrior heritage of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes. The “MV” prefix denotes its multi-mission vertical takeoff role, while “75” nods to the Army’s origins.

Speed and Range

The Cheyenne II delivers cruise speeds exceeding 280 knots (over 300 mph in testing) with a significantly greater combat radius than the UH-60 Black Hawk it will eventually replace. Its tiltrotor configuration allows efficient high-speed cruise while retaining hover and vertical lift capabilities. The aircraft supports troop transport for up to 14 soldiers, external loads up to 10,000 lbs, and features provisions for in-flight refueling, further extending its operational reach. A special operations variant (Night Stalker configuration) is also in development with enhanced sensors such as the AN/APQ-187 Silent Knight radar.

Capabilities and Operational Use

Optimized for long-range air assault, troop insertion/extraction, medical evacuation, and logistics, the MV-75A incorporates modern avionics, improved survivability features, and the potential for armed configurations—including concepts shown with cruise missiles and nose-mounted guns for Marine Corps interest. Powered by advanced turboshaft engines (with Rolls-Royce AE 1107F variants under testing), it emphasizes mission flexibility across multi-domain operations. The program has been accelerated, with initial testing expected in 2027–2028 and fielding targeted for the early 2030s, starting with units like the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade.

This platform addresses growing demands for speed and range in peer-adversary scenarios, where traditional helicopters face limitations against advanced air defenses.