Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, showcased its Electrically Distributed Anti-Torque (EDAT) aircraft during Aéro-Montreal’s 2020 Innovation Forum at Bell’s facility in Mirabel, Quebec.
“For nearly 35 years, our Mirabel team has designed and built commercial helicopters in Canada, and today we are extremely proud to present our first electrically distributed aircraft to the world,” said Steeve Lavoie, president of Bell Textron Canada Ltd. “The EDAT represents what is possible with a shared private-public focus on innovation and green technology, and such investments reinforce Canada’s position as a global aerospace leader.”
Funded in part by Canada’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry, Bell’s EDAT system is composed of four small fans within a tail rotor shroud in an offset two-by-two pattern. Each of the rotors contains four blades which are powered by four separate motors with the electrical energy provided through generators driven by turbine engines, effectively reducing noise and offering lower operational and maintenance costs compared to an aircraft with a conventional tail rotor.
“Our Government is proud to support investment in Canadian innovations. New developments in areas like vertical lift powers Canadian leadership as the market shifts toward more sustainable and efficient transportation. These innovations will increase aircraft energy efficiency and reduce sound pollution.” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
“Today’s milestone for EDAT is a great source of pride for all Canadians and shows that Bell is a leader within the dynamic Canadian aerospace industry. Our Government is proud to invest in projects like this that propel innovation and sustainability in our country.”
“Montreal, Quebec, is one of the world’s three aeronautics hubs; it sets the objective of becoming the most innovative cluster of aerospace companies in the world,” said Suzanne Benoît, president of Aéro Montréal. “By offering the first electrically powered aircraft, Bell is helping to make this ambition a reality and setting the tone for the development of greener technologies. It is through innovations like this one that we will succeed tomorrow in building an industry that is more environmentally friendly and in maintaining our position as a leader in aerospace.”
Throughout the year, Bell’s EDAT innovation has garnered interest as the first technology of its kind in the rotorcraft industry, challenging the norms for aircraft noise output, safety and electrical distribution, and was recently recognized by Popular Science as the winner of its “Best of What’s New Award” in the Aerospace category for 2020.
Development of Bell’s EDAT technology, flight test activities and envelope expansion are currently taking place at Bell’s facility in Mirabel, Quebec. The team is dedicated to incorporating greener technologies, including electric and hybrid-electric capabilities, to meet the expanding needs of customers and will continue to gather data to further measure the EDAT’s full potential and viable application to future commercial platforms.
