Bell’s Flight Research Center Provides Glimpse into Future Technology

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On October 25, Bell revealed our expanded Flight Research Center (FRC) in Arlington, TX. This state-of-the-art facility houses many of our newest technology and innovations including the Bell V-280 Valor, 525 Relentless, V-247 Vigilant and the Autonomous Pod Transport (APT).

During the ceremony, attendees were able to see the Bell V-280 in action:

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Our new innovation hub provides a unique setting for Bell’s commercial and military customers, partners and stakeholders to interact with technology that is defining the future of flight.

"FOR MORE THAN 65 YEARS, BELL HAS PRODUCED STATE-OF-THE-ART AIRCRAFT AND INNOVATIONS IN NORTH TEXAS’ BACKYARD. WE ARE PROUD TO SHOWCASE OUR INVESTMENT IN THIS FACILITY, VERSATILE AIRCRAFT AND THE TALENTED TEAM WORKING ON THE NEXT GENERATION OF PRODUCTS. SAID ROBERT HASTINGS, BELL’S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS.

Then:

To go back 65 years earlier, let’s take a look at some of the numerous aviation milestones that our Bell pioneers completed right at this very site.

  • The FRC was the focal point for early tiltrotor research aircraft – an innovative concept that combined the best features of the helicopter and the airplane. The first production Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, the first tiltrotor aircraft to have operational military capabilities, was delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1998. This monumental delivery was celebrated at the FRC just 10 years after the V-22 achieved first flight at this same location.
  • Bell’s history of advanced military aircraft had milestone moments at the FRC. The Bell AH-1T+ SuperCobra, the backbone of the U.S. Marine Corps attack helicopter fleet for decades, made its first flight in 1983. That same year the Bell OH-58-Armed Kiowa Warrior prototype, designated for the U.S. Army, also achieved first flight.

Now:

  • The FRC is a state-of-the-art facility that houses many of our newest technology and innovations including the 525, V-247, APT and Hydra.
  • The facility also includes the Bell 525 RASIL (Relentless Advanced Systems Integration Laboratory.), Bell’s next-generation lab with a high level of automation, enabling superior testing and learning with better control and functionality than ever before.
  • The V-247 simulator is also in work in the facility and will be installed over the next couple of years.
  • Bell invested in the newly remodeled 5,000 square feet customer area to showcase our aircraft capabilities.

Thank you to everyone for joining us at this great event and a special thank you to Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, State Representative Chris Turner and Congresswoman Kay Granger for addressing the crowd during the event.

See more of event highlights here:

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. 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, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

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