Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, will present an update on their significant military programs at the annual Heli-Expo held this year in Houston, TX.
Rich Linhart, Bell’s vice president for Military Business Development said, “Bell Helicopter continues to make substantial progress on vital rotor programs for our military. These programs represent the biggest military ramp-up in our history.
Biggest news from 2007 was the first deployment of the V-22 Osprey into a combat zone. All indications are that the Ospreys are performing well and meeting Marine expectations. Bell and the government are in the final stages of negotiations on a multi-year procurement of V-22s. This agreement would guarantee a firm commitment by the US government to purchase aircraft for both the Marines and the Air Force.
The H-1 program, which includes both the utility Yankee and the attack Zulu models, began Phase II of its Operational Evaluation on Feb. 12, and a full rate production decision is expected in August. While the current contract calls 100 Yankees and 180 Zulus, the Marines have indicated a desire to increase the number of aircraft they will purchase in their total force plan.
Bell’s program for the US Army, the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH-70A) has accumulated more than 1,100 hours in the flight test program and continues to meet targets set in its aggressive development program. Currently the Army is requesting 512 of these helicopters.
Linhart summarized by stating, “Overall we are extremely pleased that our programs are responding to the challenges each have faced and we are looking forward to reaching our full rate production goals.”
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company , Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at http://www.textron.com/.
