Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the Rio De Janeiro State Government contracted for a new Bell Huey II helicopter to be operated by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police. A long-time operator of single-light helicopters, the Rio Police had a requirement for a larger, more powerful platform for use in the more dangerous missions they routinely perform in some of Rio’s notorious crime-ridden slums against powerful and well-armed drug trafficking gangs.
Eric Wasson, Bell’s regional sales manager for Brazil stated, “Bell is honored by the Rio Civil Police’s selection of the Huey II platform to meet the demands of their extremely challenging operational environment. We welcome them to Bell’s global family of operators and place our industry-leading Product Support network at their disposal.”
In evaluating the options offered by various helicopter manufacturers, the Bell Huey II began to stand out from the rest for its favorable cost vs. benefits formula. Operational capabilities, doctrines, and maintenance issues were discussed with several operators and the Rio Civil Police came away convinced that the Huey II would meet their requirements.
Upon its delivery, the Rio Civil Police will receive training in a Huey II flight simulator at Bell’s Customer Training Academy in Fort Worth, TX and complete their practical flight training at USH’s facilities in Ozark, Alabama, near Fort Rucker, the US Army’s primary rotary wing training base.
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/.
