"The Bell V-247 Vigilant satisfies the comprehensive spectrum of capabilities outlined in the 2016 Marine Corps Aviation Plan," Bell, a subsidiary of Textron, stated.
The release added that the aircraft will operate in “maritime and contested land-based environments.”
The Vigilant will perform multiple tasks related to electronic warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; escorting; and persistent-fire missions, according to Bell.
Bell explained that the aircraft can carry high-definition sensors, fuel, sonar buoys, light detection-and-ranging modules, 360-degree surface-radar modules, an MK-50 torpedo and Hellfire or Joint Air Ground missiles.
The Vigilant’s folding wings, Bell added, allow for storage in a hangar, and it can be refuelled while airborne.
Production of the aircraft could begin in 2023, according to the release.
