Friday
July 29, 2005
Textron's Bell Helicopter Awarded Army Contract to Build 368 Armed
Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH)
Fort Worth, Texas, USA ( Bell Helicopters Press Release ) -
Bell Helicopter, a unit of Textron Inc.,
was awarded a $2.2 billion contract by the United States Army to
build its next generation Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, or ARH. The ARH
will replace the Army's OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Helicopter also produced by
Bell. The contract calls for Bell Helicopter to build 368 aircraft for
delivery during fiscal years 2006 through 2013.
"We are honored to have been chosen by the U.S. Army to continue our legacy
of providing outstanding Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter technology," said
Mike Redenbaugh, Chief Executive Officer of Bell Helicopter Textron. "The
Army requires a state-of-the art Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter and that's
exactly what Bell Helicopter will deliver."
Bell's ARH is a militarized version of its highly successful 407 single
engine light helicopter. Capable of being equipped with a wide variety of
weapons, the Bell ARH will provide the Army with exceptional mission
versatility and with the flexibility to accomplish armed reconnaissance,
light attack, troop insertion, and special operations missions with a single
aircraft. The Bell ARH will also provide greater deployability,
interoperability and survivability.
"We look forward to this partnership both with the Army and with our
world-class aerospace suppliers-to provide a premier aircraft to America's
troops," Redenbaugh said.
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a leading
producer of commercial and military helicopters and the pioneer of the
revolutionary tilt rotor 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 a $10 billion multi-industry company with 44,000 employees
in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft,
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, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming,
E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others.
news: Bell Submits Bid for Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter ( Jun 24, 2005 )
news: US Army terminates Comanche copter ( Feb 24, 2004 )
news: US Army requests Comanche termination ( Feb 23, 2004 )
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