GE joins Bell to deliver FLRAA avionics and Digital Backbone

The FLRAA programme has moved into its next phase as the US Army approved Milestone B for engineering and manufacturing development under Bell's lead.

GE Aerospace has been selected by Bell Textron to supply avionics systems for the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft programme. The subcontract is part of the engineering and manufacturing development phase, which began after Milestone B approval.

GE Aerospace will provide its Digital Backbone and Health Awareness System. The Digital Backbone will enable system upgrades without requiring input from the primary integrator, supporting faster and more cost-effective changes. Time-Sensitive Networking technology will be used to ensure efficient high-speed data transfer.

GE Aerospace’s Matt Burns says: “The maturity of the Digital Backbone for the US Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft was critical to passing Milestone B and entering the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the program.”

Tanika Watson of GE Aerospace adds: “Entering this next phase enables us to continue advancing the Digital Backbone for the US Army’s future vertical lift programs. The Digital Backbone provides the framework to make aircraft system modifications and realise the benefits of Modular Open Systems Approach designs from the outset of Future Vertical Lift programs.”

GE Aerospace’s Health Awareness System, already in use commercially and militarily, has saved users significant amounts through predictive maintenance and improved readiness.