Bell D-292

D-292
The U.S. Army Bell D-292 conducting a flight test
Role Experimental helicopter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Bell Helicopter
First flight 30 August 1985
Number built 1
Developed from Bell 222

The Bell D-292 was an American experimental helicopter developed by Bell Helicopters for the United States Army Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP), as part of the studies involved in the Light Helicopter Experimental (LHX) program. It had a gross weight of 7525 lbs.[1] The program was intended to demonstrate the advantageous application of advanced composite materials and structural design concepts on the airframe of military helicopters. The primary goal was to reduce the cost of production of the airframes, and reduce their weight by 17%-22% respectively. The airframe costed $185,458. Materials made up 28% of this cost, and labor expenses made up the remaining 72%.[1]

  1. ^ a b Good 1, Mazza 2, Danny 1, Thomas 2 (18 March 1987). "Advanced Composite Airframe Program - Today's Technology" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved 30 May 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)