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The Airframer Bulletin

Bell Helicopter Textron
All news ✕ Clear ‹ Current edition

Every Bulletin story and press release covering Bell Helicopter Textron, newest first.

225 items · page 1 of 5

2026
26 August

ReleaseIncora extends chemical management services contract with Textron

22 July

Releasetk accelis awarded five-year Airbus A220 material supply contract from Dynamatic Technologies

16 July

ReleaseSyensqo advanced materials power US Army's MV-75 Cheyenne

13 July

ReleaseVertical Aerospace shares business update ahead of Farnborough International Airshow

18 June The first wing, completed in February, was fabricated with 90% fewer labour hours compared to the initial V-22 wing build.

Bell completes first two wing structures for the MV-75

The next step of the build assembly involves mating the wing structures with the fuselage, currently being assembled at the Wichita Assembly Center, and the Nacelle, which is also progressing through assembly.

6 May

Textron sharpens aerospace focus with planned separation

The planned separation will create a more focused aerospace and defence group while giving Industrial its own growth path.

6 May

Bell and KAI pursue Korean MV-75 military rotorcraft program

South Korea’s future utility helicopter requirement has focused attention on tiltrotor speed, interoperability and industrial cooperation opportunities.

30 April Production has already begun at the site, which forms part of a wider US manufacturing network supporting the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft programme.

Bell opens Wichita line to build next-generation Cheyenne

The facility will manufacture fuselages for the US Army’s FLRAA as part of an accelerated programme aimed at delivering a faster, longer-range aircraft.

30 April

ReleaseBell selected by Near Earth Autonomy to provide Bell 505 airframe for U.S. Marine Corps’ MARV-EL program

28 April

ReleaseNear Earth Autonomy awarded program to prototype autonomous logistics aircraft for U.S. Marine Corps

22 April Modular system design ensures the aircraft can adapt as mission requirements evolve.

Bell MV-75 development continues under Cheyenne II designation

The aircraft's long-range assault capability is expected to reshape how forces are deployed in contested environments, enabling faster response across further operational distances.

17 April

ReleaseBell Textron establishes entity in Ukraine

16 April The MV-75 FLRAA is designed to deliver roughly twice the speed and range of the Army’s current rotorcraft fleet.

Collins supplies key systems for US Army’s next-gen FLRAA

Work across multiple US sites will support delivery of key onboard systems for the Army’s first clean sheet rotorcraft in decades.

12 March The X-76 aircraft is designed to cruise at 400–450 knots while retaining vertical lift and runway independent capability.

Bell advances DARPA SPRINT after X-76 design review

Completion of the critical design review allows Bell to begin building the high-speed demonstrator designed for jet-like cruise.

9 March

ReleaseBell reveals new Bell 429 Designer Series interior

15 January The light offers upgrade potential for future variants of the MV-75, including laser tracking and EO/IR system integration.

Honeywell supplies LED landing search light for MV-75

The system strengthens Honeywell’s contribution to the U.S. Army programme alongside its previously selected thermal management and power solutions.

2025
17 December

ReleaseBell’s collaboration with U.S. Army and NASA validating the MV-75 FLRAA’s flight performance

17 November

ReleaseBell 525 Flight Simulation training device receives FAA qualification

17 November

ReleaseAcutec lands major defense contract bringing high-skilled jobs and growth to Meadville

17 November

ReleaseTRU Simulation’s Bell 525 flight simulator receives FAA Interim Level C Qualification

5 November The CYCOM EP2750 prepreg enables faster, more efficient molding of aerospace composite parts.

Syensqo and Bell drive composite industrialisation with DDF innovation

Bell has adopted Syensqo’s double diaphragm forming process to boost its aerospace composite part production efficiency, cut waste and reduce environmental impact.

16 October

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.

9 October Marotta’s inverter will enable efficient operation of onboard systems for the MV-75, while meeting strict size and weight limits.

Marotta supplies static inverter for Bell MV-75

Marotta Controls had been chosen by Bell Textron to supply a static inverter for the MV-75 FLRAA, marking its entry into DC-to-AC technology.

25 September

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

8 September

ReleaseTRU Simulation’s Veris Virtual Reality Flight Simulator achieves FAA qualification, ushering in a new era of immersive pilot training

11 August

ReleaseSignia Aerospace acquires Precise Flight, expanding capabilities in aviation safety and performance

21 July

ReleaseAt AIAA Aviation Forum, Flexcompute and Robinson Helicopter announce CFD partnership for all-new R88 helicopter

10 July Cruise speeds of up to 450 knots are targeted for the vertical lift demonstrator.

Bell enters Phase 2 of DARPA SPRINT X-plane programme

Detailed design and construction has followed conceptual work completed in Phases 1A and 1B under Bell’s decade-long development effort.

19 June Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor is the selected platform for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft programme.

Bell selects Honeywell’s Attune and APU for FLRAA

Bell Textron chose the 36-150 APU and Attune thermal system to support the Army’s long-range future assault aircraft programme.

5 June Archer’s Midnight aircraft during a recent flight showcasing piloted operations.

Midnight enters piloted flight test phase to prove CTOL capability

The company's hybrid configuration showed reliable CTOL performance during its latest crewed flight while pre-certification data gathering continues.

29 May

Dassault backs Wichita State’s Manufacturing Innovation Center

The Manufacturing Innovation Center at Wichita State opened with live demos and speeches from leaders at Bell Textron and DELMIA.

20 May

ReleaseBell demonstrates Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) Virtual Prototype to U.S. Army

16 May

ReleaseG.W. Lisk Company to participate in Team FLRAA as a supplier to the U.S. Army’s new Future Long Range Assault Aircraft

13 May

ReleaseW. L. Gore & Associates joins Team FLRAA as a wire and cable supplier for the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program

29 April

ReleaseAlbany Engineered Composites awarded seven-year contract from Bell Textron, Inc. for 525 composite components

24 April

Bell selects Materion SupremEX composite for FLRAA prototype

SupremEX material was sourced to reduce weight while maintaining strength and reliability for long-range tiltrotor aircraft operation.

3 April The Digital Backbone allows upgrades without involving the primary integrator, cutting time and cost.

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.

25 March

ReleaseLynx selected by Bell to power the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)

11 March

ReleaseBell launches new Designer Series interior for the Bell 407GXi

27 February Safran’s involvement ensures precise and reliable flight data throughout FLRAA’s development process.

Safran to provide flight testing systems for FLRAA

The company will supply onboard and ground testing solutions for six aircraft developed by Bell for the Army’s modernisation effort.

26 February

ReleaseAcutec Precision Aerospace announces selection for Team FLRAA

2024
19 December Mark Foust (Northwest ISD Superintendent), Robert Allen (President of the Fort Worth EDP), Mattie Parker (Fort Worth Mayor), Andy Eads (Denton County Judge), Greg Abbott (Texas Governor), and Lisa Atherton (President and CEO, Bell).

Bell picks Denton County for FLRAA components

Bell is committed to establishing future manufacturing locations to deliver the first fielded aircraft by the early 2030s and do its part to revolutionise U.S. Army aviation.

12 December

Bell completes tunnel testing to validate stop/fold jet transition

Building upon the previous folding rotor testing, the wind tunnel program validated the stability and control of the aircraft through the rotor fold and unfold sequence in flight.

3 December

ReleaseSubaru Bell 412EPX earns EASA certification

13 November

Bell selects Wichita for FLRAA fuselage assembly

Supporting work will take place at several of Bell’s advanced manufacturing facilities in Texas, including Bell’s Advanced Composite Center in Fort Worth, and final assembly of the aircraft will occur in Amarillo.

13 November

ReleaseBell Textron selects Integris Composites as armor supplier for U.S. Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)

18 October

ReleaseHillwood welcomes AVX Aircraft Company to Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport

23 August

ReleaseEast/West Industries, Inc. selected by Bell for Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)

15 August Tim Kirk, Todd T. Royer, Vince D’Arienzo, Jeff Cross, and Maj. Gen. Tom O’Connor.

Toray's extra capacity supports U.S. Army's FLRAA

The upgrade doubles the production capacity of the TORAYCA T1100 carbon fibre, a component in the U.S. Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.

7 August The United States Army has approved the Milestone B decision for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, marking the beginning of the weapon system’s Program of Record.

Bell’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft enters milestone B

The aircraft will fly twice as far and twice as fast as the current fleet. By utilising mature tiltrotor technology coupled with an innovative digital engineering approach it will be reliable, affordable and high-performing.