Airframer news
30/04/2026
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.
Bell Textron has opened its Wichita Assembly Center (WAC) to support fuselage production for the MV-75 Cheyenne, expanding its manufacturing network as the programme moves into accelerated production.
Fuselage manufacturing at the Kansas facility began in October 2025 under a U.S. Army-directed acceleration initiative, adding capacity to meet programme timelines.
“Today’s celebration marks a significant milestone for the Air Capital of the World and underscores the critical role Kansans play in supporting our national security. Wichita has deep roots in aviation and defense, and Bell Textron’s presence in the community will further strengthen that legacy as Kansas workers help produce the next generation of military aircraft,” says senator Jerry Moran.
“This facility represents a new chapter of Army aviation and of Bell’s investment into Kansas. I have long supported this critical program and the Army’s efforts to accelerate its production. I am pleased that Bell Textron has chosen Kansas for this investment, a decision that will strengthen our national security while expanding opportunities for Wichita’s highly skilled workforce,” Moran adds.
The Wichita site complements ongoing work at Bell’s Texas operations, including composite manufacturing in Fort Worth and final assembly in Amarillo, forming a distributed production system for the aircraft.
The MV-75 Cheyenne is designed to deliver extended range and speed compared with the current fleet, supported by digital systems and open architecture intended to sustain long-term operational relevance.