Bell and these four companies share a rich history in industrial cooperation and expertise in the various disciplines required to execute a modern, high-tech and rigorous training programs. This collaboration will be critical in delivering a comprehensive training solution to future Army aviators.
Jeff Schloesser, executive vice president, Strategic Pursuits, Bell, said “Bell has been a trusted provider of military pilot training since 1946. This group of companies represent a collective commitment to delivering a trusted, high-performing, technologically advanced and low-risk aviator training program to the Army customer that will ensure they are prepared for dynamic and challenging combat environments.”
The Bell 505 is a versatile, five-seat aircraft designed for reliability and efficiency, equipped with the latest technology to meet the demands of modern flight training. The aircraft features a fully integrated Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite and a Safran Arrius 2R engine with dual-channel FADEC, making it an ideal platform for military training.
About Bell : Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
About Textron : Textron Inc (NYSE:TXT) 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, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems.
U.S. Army’s Flight School Next program
The U.S. Army's Flight School Next program represents a transformative approach to aviator training, aiming to modernize the Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) curriculum that has remained largely unchanged since the 1960s.
By integrating advanced simulation technologies, single-engine trainer aircraft, and a proficiency-based learning model, the program seeks to enhance foundational flight skills and produce highly proficient aviators prepared for the complexities of modern battlefields. Pilot programs at Fort Novosel, Alabama, have already begun implementing these innovations using the Robinson R66 (TH-66 Sage) helicopter, focusing on increasing flight hours and reducing training costs while improving overall student preparedness .
To support this initiative, the Army has engaged industry leaders through contracts and partnerships. In February 2025, a $5 million contract was awarded to a small business to reshape rotary-wing aviator training at Fort Novosel .
Additionally, companies like Lockheed Martin and Bell Textron Inc. have proposed comprehensive training solutions, including the use of advanced simulators and modern aircraft, to align with the Army's vision for Flight School Next . These collaborations underscore a concerted effort to revolutionize Army aviation training, ensuring that future pilots are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in an evolving operational landscape
See also |
Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
US Army Aviation School US Army Aviation BTA
Bell Helicopter Training Academy Bell Helicopter 
Helicopters Flight School - Training Military Bell 505 for New USAF Rotary Wing Initial Flight Training
