Bell selects Eaton to provide aerial refueling probe for the MV-75 FLRAA

Intelligent power management company Eaton has been selected by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, to design, develop and certify the aerial refueling retractable probe for the U.S. Army’s MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). This award marks a significant milestone in Eaton’s continued collaboration with Bell and its next-generation vertical lift platform.

“Aerial refueling has been a cornerstone of Eaton’s aerospace capabilities for decades. Our proven systems, trusted by military partners worldwide, reflect a deep heritage of innovation, reliability and mission readiness. We’re proud to continue advancing this technology to meet the evolving needs of next-generation platforms,” said John Sapp, president of Eaton’s Aerospace Group.

Under the initial awarded contract, Eaton will achieve certification activities and deliver qualification units, test equipment and initial production prototype hardware. The telescopic aerial refueling probe, a component of the MV-75 FLRAA’s aerial refueling capability, will be developed and produced across multiple Eaton facilities in the US and UK. This probe enables extended range and operational flexibility for this multi-mission platform.

“Bell is pleased to expand our work with Eaton in support of the MV-75 FLRAA,” said Ryan Ehinger, senior vice president and MV-75 FLRAA program director at Bell. “The MV-75 FLRAA will transform Army Aviation with speed, range and an open systems approach. Eaton shares our commitment in getting this multi-mission capability to our military.”

Eaton’s proven track record in hydraulic and fuel systems, combined with its global manufacturing footprint and engineering expertise, positions the company to support the MV-75 FLRAA’s mission success. This award builds on Eaton’s decade-long collaboration with Bell on the FLRAA program, which includes contributions to the MV-75 FLRAA’s hydraulic power generation, conveyance systems, and additive manufacturing innovations.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of nearly $25 billion in 2024, the company serves customers in more than 160 countries.