Bell Helicopter, June 21, 2011 - Paris, France - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company announced today at the Paris International Air Show, that AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has agreed to purchase Bell's ownership interest in the BA609 tiltrotor program, a Bell-AgustaWestland joint venture. Bell Helicopter will remain the key supplier of engineering services and key components to the program.
"Both companies agree it is the best business decision for AgustaWestland to take ownership of the program with Bell Helicopter serving as the key engineering and component supplier," said John L. Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. "This decision will free up research and development resources allowing Bell Helicopter to increase our investment in the revolutionary V-22, to develop the next-generation tiltrotor technologies for U.S. Department of Defense programs and other applications, as well as increase our investment in our innovative commercial product line," he said.
Bell Helicopter plans to continue to increase its research and development investments over the next five years for its commercial product line and for next generation tiltrotor technologies. As part of its continued commitment to further evolving tiltrotor technologies, Bell-Boeing has acquired a V-22 Osprey for ongoing development.
The V-22 Osprey, produced by a Bell-Boeing strategic alliance, with its revolutionary tiltrotor technology is fielded by both the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command and the U.S. Marine Corps and has provided unmatched performance as the Osprey can fly twice as fast and three times as far as any conventional helicopter.The V-22 Osprey has completed over 110,000 flight hours and has received the highest safety rating for any tactical rotorcraft in the Marine Corps.
The agreement is subject to obtaining requisite regulatory approvals and does not include the transfer of V-22 tiltrotor technologies.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company , Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.
"Both companies agree it is the best business decision for AgustaWestland to take ownership of the program with Bell Helicopter serving as the key engineering and component supplier," said John L. Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. "This decision will free up research and development resources allowing Bell Helicopter to increase our investment in the revolutionary V-22, to develop the next-generation tiltrotor technologies for U.S. Department of Defense programs and other applications, as well as increase our investment in our innovative commercial product line," he said.
Bell Helicopter plans to continue to increase its research and development investments over the next five years for its commercial product line and for next generation tiltrotor technologies. As part of its continued commitment to further evolving tiltrotor technologies, Bell-Boeing has acquired a V-22 Osprey for ongoing development.
The V-22 Osprey, produced by a Bell-Boeing strategic alliance, with its revolutionary tiltrotor technology is fielded by both the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command and the U.S. Marine Corps and has provided unmatched performance as the Osprey can fly twice as fast and three times as far as any conventional helicopter.The V-22 Osprey has completed over 110,000 flight hours and has received the highest safety rating for any tactical rotorcraft in the Marine Corps.
The agreement is subject to obtaining requisite regulatory approvals and does not include the transfer of V-22 tiltrotor technologies.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company , Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.
See also |
AgustaWestland AW609
