Bell V-280 Valor Tilt-Rotor Prototype Receives Tactical Data Link And Performs Sling Load Tests Bell V-280 Valor Tilt-Rotor Prototype Receives Tactical Data Link And Performs Sling Load Tests A screenshot from the Bell's video showing the V-280 prototype during the sling load tests. (Image credit: Bell). The Bell V-280 Valor Next Generation Tilt Rotor Aircraft has been involved in the testing of a new Tactical Data Link and external cargo loads. The first prototype of the V-280 Valor, registration N280BH, continues to carry out test flights to validate new equipment integration and new missions. The next generation tilt-rotor aircraft recently performed demonstrations at the Bell Flight Research Center in Arlington, TX, that included use of a newly installed Tactical Common Datalink (TCDL) from Team Valor member Lockheed Martin and completion of sling load sorties, to assess the ability of the aircraft to carry external cargo.