Friday
July 21, 2000
Bell Helicopter Chosen to Partner With Turkish Industry for Helicopter
Production
FORT WORTH, Texas, USA ( Bell Helicopter Textron Press Release ) -
Turkish Government officials today announced that the Bell Helicopter Textron KingCobra has been selected as the winner to fulfill its attack helicopter requirements. Bell will now enter into negotiations as to specifics of the program and applicable agreements.
The KingCobra is the Turkish variant of the AH-1Z being developed for the U.S. Marine Corps. Along with wheeled gear, the KingCobra incorporates significant mission equipment to be provided by Turkish defense industries.
``We're thrilled Bell was selected by the Turkish Government for this important NATO project. Collaborating on the ground with the aerospace industry in Turkey will allow Bell to deliver superior technology and outstanding service to the Turkish Government,'' said Textron Chairman and CEO Lewis B. Campbell.
The newest version of the Cobra Attack Helicopter is equipped with state- of-the-art avionics, power train and weapons systems. This combination of modern technology and Bell Helicopter reliability and ruggedness makes this third generation Cobra the most cost effective and modern attack helicopter available in the world today.
The initial requirement calls for 50 aircraft at a cost of approximately $1.5 billion (U.S.) with a possible build-up to 145 aircraft. Bell Helicopter Textron will be the primary sub-contractor on the program with Tusas Aerospace Industries Inc. of Ankara acting as prime contractor. Additionally, there will be numerous other sub-contractors that will provide the armament, avionics and engines.
Commenting on the selection, Terry Stinson, Chairman and CEO of Bell Helicopter Textron said, ``This decision by the Turkish Government solidifies the AH-1Z in the international marketplace and gives customers a technologically advanced choice when they look for an attack helicopter. We are looking forward to a long partnership with the Turkish Aerospace Industry and the opportunity to provide Turkey with the world's premier attack helicopter.''
Bell Helicopter Textron is a $1.4 billion, leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.
Textron Inc. is an $11.6 billion, global, multi-industry company with market-leading businesses in Aircraft, Automotive, Industrial and Finance. Textron has a workforce of over 68,000 employees and major manufacturing facilities in 30 countries. Textron is among Fortune magazine's ``Global Most Admired Companies.''
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