Textron Systems & Bell Helicopter launch Huntsville-based integration & collaboration laboratories

Textron Systems and Bell Helicopter, Textron Inc. companies, announced today the opening of the Textron Systems Integration and Collaboration Lab and Bell Helicopter/AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manned/Unmanned Operations (MUMO) Capability Development Lab. Based at Textron Systems' Huntsville, Ala., location, these labs combine live data feeds, high-fidelity simulated environments and field equipment to enable rapid system integration and testing, and the demonstration and proof of operational concepts.

The Textron Systems Integration and Collaboration Lab incorporates AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems' unmanned platforms, command and control solutions, and training and simulation equipment, along with technologies for real-time collaboration and tasking. Paired with live data feeds, the lab allows customers to quickly integrate and troubleshoot new components and assets.

Similarly, the Bell Helicopter/AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems MUMO Capability Development Lab advances customer development of tactics, techniques and procedures. A high-fidelity Kiowa Warrior simulator linked seamlessly with unmanned assets, feeds and simulations supports the development of cognitive skills for MUMO.

Applied to urgent customer requirements for rapid technology insertion, increased collaboration and next-generation technologies, these labs offer:

• Reduced testing cost

• Decreased program risk

• Accelerated fielding

• High-fidelity tactics, techniques and procedures training for mission rehearsal

"Our U.S. Department of Defense customers are facing a period of profound change," says Textron Systems President and Chief Executive Officer Ellen Lord. "Now more than ever, they need affordable technologies that can be deployed rapidly against their most pressing requirements. These new lab capabilities enable our customers to achieve this while reducing program risk. As leaders in the unmanned and manned aviation domains, Textron Systems and Bell Helicopter are uniquely positioned as technology partners for our customers, keeping them on the leading edge as they envision and equip the future force."

"We are not only exploring next-generation concepts for situational awareness, we are rapidly developing both the solutions and cutting-edge technologies that bring them to life. Working together, we will drive affordable mission solutions for our customers and support the critical work they do -- today and into the future," says John Garrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Helicopter.