Bell ARH-70

The armed reconnaissance helicopter built for next-generation battlefield scouting.

US Army Bell ARH-70 © CC0

Overview

Bell United States 2005–2008 $9.6 million

The Bell ARH-70 was developed as a light armed reconnaissance helicopter for the U.S. Army. Based on a commercial platform, it aimed to provide modern sensors and weapons at reduced cost. The program was canceled before full production.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Honeywell HTS900-2 turboshaft
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 970 shp · 723 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
6
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
34 ft 8 in  ·  10.57 m
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
35 ft 0 in  ·  10.67 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
5,000 lb  ·  2,250 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
1,850 lb  ·  850 kg
Fuel capacity
70 gal · 300 L · 200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
140 kt  ·  161 mph  ·  259 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
162 nm  ·  190 mi  ·  300 km
Fuel burn
2.31 nm/gal  ·  1.13 km/L
Ceiling
20,000 ft  ·  6,100 m
Rate of climb
2,000 ft/min  ·  10 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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A Bell 407 being used for early development of the ARH-70

Operational Context

Bell ARH-70 — light armed reconnaissance helicopter

The ARH-70 first flew in 2006 as part of the U.S. Army’s Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter program. It was derived from the Bell 407 airframe and modified with military avionics, sensors, and survivability equipment. The aircraft featured a four-blade main rotor and conventional tail rotor configuration typical of Bell light helicopters.

Powered by a Honeywell HTS900 turboshaft engine producing approximately 970 shaft horsepower, the ARH-70 was projected to cruise at around 140 knots (260 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was expected to exceed 5,500 pounds (2,495 kg). The helicopter was designed to carry light weapons and advanced reconnaissance systems.

Cost growth and changing operational requirements led to cancellation of the program in 2008. Although it did not enter service, the ARH-70 reflected efforts to rapidly field a modern scout helicopter. The concept influenced later reconnaissance and light attack developments.