Today, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE, will team with Bell on its V-280 Valor™, a third generation tiltrotor.

"We are very excited to welcome GE to Team Valor. GE is a world-leading engine provider, and we are pleased they have made the strategic decision to align interests and resources with us on the Bell V-280," said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “Our combined rotorcraft expertise will ensure the highest levels of maturity and technical readiness for the US Army."

"GE is proud to team with Bell on the V-280 Valor with a proven propulsion system to support this technology demonstration," said Jean Lydon-Rodgers, vice president and general manager, GE Aviation Military Systems Operation. "GE continues to invest in next generation propulsion technology through the Future Affordable Turbine Engine (FATE) program. We look forward to providing the US Army with exciting, advanced technologies for Future Vertical Lift leading to a robust, durable engine that delivers tremendous performance and superior fuel consumption while meeting aggressive cost targets."

Team Valor is comprised of leading aerospace companies, bringing the best engineering resources, capabilities, and critical thinking in the industry to meet the Army's needs. Additional team members will be announced in the coming weeks.

The transformational features of Bell Helicopter's third generation tiltrotor represent the most operationally effective aircraft for the U.S. Army's Future Vertical Lift requirements. With increased maintainability and component and systems reliability, the Bell V-280 is designed to deliver the best value in procurement, operations and support, and force structure. With more than twice the speed and range, the Bell V-280 Valor will offer commanders a combat maneuver platform with unmatched operational agility to self-deploy and perform a multitude of vertical lift missions unachievable with current aircraft.