Curtiss-Wright equips Bell’s MV-75 with encrypted recorder technology

Encrypted cockpit voice and flight data recorders have been developed for Bell’s MV-75 FLRAA aircraft under Curtiss-Wright’s Defence Electronics segment.

Curtiss-Wright has been selected by Bell Textron to provide encrypted flight data recorder technology for the United States Army’s MV-75 FLRAA next-generation tiltrotor programme, part of the Future Vertical Lift initiative.

Under the contract, Curtiss-Wright is supplying Bell with a combined cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) featuring encryption technology. The first phase began in July 2025 and will continue through full-rate production.

“We are proud to have been selected by Bell to supply our encrypted CVR and FDR technology in support of the U.S. Army’s MV-75 FLRAA program,” says Lynn M. Bamford, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. “Building on our decades-long experience as a leading supplier of flight recorder equipment, this combined solution utilizes technology from across Curtiss-Wright’s portfolio to provide new capabilities into modern military aircraft. With the CVR/FDR solution, we will enable the designer and operator of the aircraft to provide improved safety to its air crew and passengers.”

The CVR/FDR unit features compact design, light weight, high-capacity storage and internationally certified encryption, allowing fast deployment and reduced programme risk. Based on Curtiss-Wright’s Fortress CVR technology, it complies with FAA regulations for 25-hour CVRs and global standards across Europe, Canada, Mexico and Singapore. The device records four wideband audio channels for clearer sound than earlier models.

All work is being performed under Curtiss-Wright’s Defence Electronics segment.