Bell and Pratt & Whitney to Collaborate on High-Speed VTOL Propulsion Technology

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As industry partners interested in accelerating the future potential of High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL)technology, Bell and Pratt & Whitney are collaborating on propulsion solutions for the development of HSVTOL technology.

Bell continues to work with the U.S. government and its industry partners to reduce risk and develop capability requirements. As Bell continues to build its strong team, we’re having open discussions and collaborating with industry thought leaders, including Pratt & Whitney, to rapidly deliver HSVTOL capabilities to the warfighter.

“We’re excited to dig into HSVTOL propulsion technology research with Bell and showcase what this next generation capability could bring to USAF and other warfighters,” said Dr. Steven Burd, Director and Chief Engineer of Advanced Military Engine Programs, Pratt & Whitney.

Bell is actively developing innovative vertical lift technologies including the HSVTOL family of vehicles. HSVTOL provides next generation capability in vertical lift speed, range, and survivability. This type of technology blends the maneuverability of a helicopter with the speed, range and survivability features of a fighter aircraft. Bell’s HSVTOL technology may serve a variety of complex missions in the future battlespace for runway independent agile mobility, SOF infil/exfil, personnel recovery, and Strike/ISR.

“HSVTOL propulsion technology is one of the key technical areas to develop for future capability, and we’re thrilled to leverage expertise from Pratt & Whitney to explore ways to mature technology for these concepts,” said Lee Anderson, Director of Innovation, Bell.

HSVTOL technology leverages existing Bell experience with the development of high-speed vertical lift aircraft, with the Bell 360 Invictus dashing over 200 knots, and the Bell V-280 Valor cruising to over 300 knots. HSVTOL development unlocks next generation capability for speed, range, and survivability. HSVTOL’s runway flexibility provides the capability to utilize runways with conventional jet takeoff when runways are intact and independence with short field takeoff and vertical takeoff when runways are compromised.

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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.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; volatility in interest rates or foreign exchange rates; and risks related to our international business, including establishing and maintaining facilities in locations around the world and relying on joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers, representatives, consultants and other business partners in connection with international business, including in emerging market countries.

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