Latest news with #BellTextron
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Bell signs fleet purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX Aircraft to the Tunisian Air Force
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces, at the Paris Air Show 2025, a signed purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPXs to the Tunisian Air Force, marking the first order for this Bell 412 variant in region. The aircraft will be used for multi-role military and security missions. The Tunisian military expands its rotary wing fleet of 39 Bell aircraft, including Bell UH-1s, 205s and OH-58s. 'The Bell 412 is one of the most trusted platforms globally, and we are honored to support the Tunisian Air Force as it expands its fleet with this proven and versatile aircraft,' said Tim Evans, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa, Bell. 'The SUBARU Bell 412EPX has been gaining momentum as an international military platform, we're thrilled to bring it to the Middle East and Africa region with the Tunisian Air Force.' The Bell 412 is globally recognized for its adaptability and reliability, enabling operators to undertake a broad range of missions. To date, more than 54% of the global Bell 412 fleet performs parapublic and military missions. This sale builds on recent entries of the Bell 412 to the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue, Croatia Ministry of Interior, Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior and more. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX boasts a maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs and cargo hook capacity of 5,000 lbs. The platform enables critical missions with a useful load of 5,385 lbs. ABOUT BELL Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For nearly 90 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 INC. 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, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Nigeria moves closer to acquiring 12 US-made AH-1Z viper attack helicopters
Nigeria is making steady progress toward acquiring 12 U.S.-made AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters in a strategic move to boost its air combat capabilities and strengthen national defense. Nigeria is advancing with plans to acquire 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States. The acquisition aims to enhance Nigeria's air combat and defense capabilities amid growing security challenges. High-level discussions were held between Nigerian and U.S. officials to finalize the terms and timelines. This development follows a high-level visit to the United States by Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, who led a Nigerian delegation to a Programme Management Review Meeting held in San Diego, California, from June 9 to 13, 2025. The meeting brought together senior U.S. government officials and representatives from Bell Textron, manufacturers of the helicopters, to assess progress and fine-tune the delivery timeline. The visit marked a critical step in the procurement process, offering Nigerian defense officials direct engagement with their U.S. counterparts, including the United States Marine Corps—operators of the AH-1Z platform. According to Air Marshal Abubakar, the meetings provided Nigeria with valuable insights into best practices for operating, sustaining, and supporting the AH-1Z, a platform known for its agility, precision strike capabilities, and battlefield survivability. During the engagement, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed his deep appreciation to the U.S. Government, emphasizing the value of its longstanding strategic partnership with Nigeria. ' We are deeply grateful to the United States Government for its enduring strategic partnership with Nigeria. 'The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters will significantly enhance the Nigerian Air Force's combat effectiveness, operational efficiency, and mission readiness. ' The acquisition comes at a time when Nigeria is facing one of the most intense waves of terrorist violence in its history, with insurgent groups launching increasingly sophisticated attacks using advanced weaponry. Deal closed after three years after initial request This deal was first discussed in 2022, when Nigeria indicated interest in purchasing 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States. After nearly three years of deliberation and diplomatic back-and-forth, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the sale, signaling a major milestone in Nigeria's military modernization efforts. Originally approved in April 2022, the full $997 million package includes engines, guided weapons, night vision systems, training, and logistics support as per Military Africa. The delay was largely due to U.S. concerns over human rights issues, which had stalled similar arms sales in the past. With regional security threats growing, the helicopters are expected to boost Nigeria's counterinsurgency operations and mark a new phase in U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation. The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter The AH-1Z Viper —also known as the "Zulu Cobra" —is one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world, developed by Bell Helicopter for the United States Marine Corps. It is an upgraded variant of the AH-1W Super Cobra and is designed for precision strike missions, close air support, and battlefield reconnaissance The platform features advanced avionics, weapons systems, and target acquisition technologies, making it one of the most capable attack helicopters in use today. The AH-1Z Viper offers a multi-mission platform that combines lethal firepower, high survivability, and advanced situational awareness—making it a valuable asset in modern asymmetrical and conventional warfare. The AH-1Z Viper features advanced targeting systems like FLIR and laser designation for precise day-and-night operations, along with radar and rangefinders for engaging ground and air threats. Its weapons include a 20mm rotary cannon, Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, Sidewinder missiles, and other munitions, making it a versatile and lethal combat platform. For Nigeria, it represents a significant leap in combat aviation capability, especially in counterinsurgency, anti-terrorism, and border security operations.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
See the MV-75 tiltrotor set to be the US Army's next premier air assault vehicle and replace the UH-60 Black Hawk
The US Army designated Bell's V-280 Valor as its next-generation air assault vehicle, the MV-75. The tiltrotor is part of the Army's plan to modernize its aging fleet of military helicopters. The Army plans to replace the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk with the MV-75 by the 2030s. It flies like a helicopter, cruises like a plane, and could redefine how the US Army fights wars within the next decade. The Army chose the Bell V-280 Valor as its next-generation assault aircraft, designed to fly longer and faster than current rotorcraft. Officially designated the MV-75, the Army is betting on the Bell tiltrotor to modernize its aging fleet of military helicopters. For nearly 50 years, the UH-60 Black Hawk has been the Army's airborne workhorse. The Army plans to continue flying the Black Hawk for the next several years as it fast-tracks the rollout of the new tiltrotor replacement fleet in the 2030s. Bell V-280 Valor Developed by Bell Textron, a Texas-based aerospace company, the V-280 was designed with "transformational increases in speed, range, and maneuverability," the Army said in a 2020 release. Propelled by two Rolls-Royce turboshaft engines, the V-280's tiltrotor design allows the aircraft to take off and land vertically like a helicopter and fly like an airplane, like the Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey. In order to be a contender for the Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, the competing aircraft were required to cruise at speeds of up to 322 miles per hour — nearly twice as fast as the Black Hawk's cruising speed of 174 mph. The aircraft was expected to carry up to 14 fully equipped passengers or accommodate external payloads of up to 10,000 pounds. The FLRAA also had to be able to operate at 6,000 feet in temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and fly at least 1,700 nautical miles without refueling. A 'leap ahead' Gen. James Mingus, the Army's vice chief of staff, described the MV-75 as a "leap ahead in technology and capability." "It delivers operational reach that alters how we close with the enemy," Mingus said at the Army Aviation Association of America conference on May 14. "It brings the right combination of speed, payload, and survivability we've never had in one aircraft." The concept is that each MV-75 can rush over a dozen heavily loaded troopers onto assault missions that can catch an enemy off guard. Next-generation military helicopters Bell's V-280 Valor was selected in 2022 as the Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, chosen over the Sikorsky-Boeing Defiant X. The FLRAA is part of the Army's broader effort to modernize its aerial fleet, known as Future Vertical Lift. The Army also planned to develop a new armed scout helicopter known as the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, but the program was canceled earlier this year to prioritize the fielding of the MV-75. The Army is "not just committed to the programme, but how we do it faster as well," Mingus said. Multimission Vertical Takeoff The "M" in the aircraft's designation refers to its multimission purpose, and the "V" represents its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability. While the MV-75 design has yet to be finalized, the future tiltrotor is expected to have a baseline variant that will incorporate features to adapt it to special operations. After entering the engineering and manufacturing stage last year, Bell is under contract to build six prototypes of the MV-75. The Texas-based aerospace company projects to complete its first flight in 2026 and low-rate initial production in 2028. The aircraft is slated to be delivered to the Army around 2030. 'Rapid response and enhanced maneuverability' The next-generation aircraft is expected to serve on missions involving vertical lift, air assault, maritime interdiction, medical evacuation, combat search and rescue, humanitarian relief, and tactical resupply. 101st Airborne Division The 101st Airborne Division, the only Army division specializing in air assault operations, is set to be the first frontline unit to field the MV-75. For nearly six decades, the unit's Combat Aviation Brigade has been operating assault helicopters, such as AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters, and CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. "The 101st flies into real-world contested environments, across wide terrain, often without the luxury of fixed support infrastructure," Mingus said. "They need speed, endurance, and reliability." Preparing for a fight in the Pacific The modernization of the Army's aerial fleet comes as the US military prepares for a potential conflict with China. The long-range mobility of the Army's future aircraft fleet is essential for the vast Pacific theater, consisting of island chains separated by long distances and limited Army infrastructure in the region. The Future Vertical Lift initiative is also focused on enhancing survivability against Chinese and Russian air defenses by equipping future aircraft with high-speed capabilities and reduced radar signatures. Autonomous and semi-autonomous flight Amid the Pentagon's push for AI use within its ranks, the Army is also looking to integrate autonomous and semi-autonomous flight technology into its systems, including the MV-75. "The Army wants to make sure that aircraft can be unmanned," Textron CEO Scott Donnelly said during an earnings call in April. In December 2019, the V-280 Valor successfully completed an autonomous test flight at the company's research center in Arlington, Texas, though two pilots remained onboard to intervene if necessary. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
See the MV-75 tiltrotor set to be the US Army's next premier air assault vehicle and replace the UH-60 Black Hawk
It flies like a helicopter, cruises like a plane, and could redefine how the US Army fights wars within the next decade. The Army chose the Bell V-280 Valor as its next-generation assault aircraft, designed to fly longer and faster than current rotorcraft. Officially designated the MV-75, the Army is betting on the Bell tiltrotor to modernize its aging fleet of military helicopters. For nearly 50 years, the UH-60 Black Hawk has been the Army's airborne workhorse. The Army plans to continue flying the Black Hawk for the next several years as it fast-tracks the rollout of the new tiltrotor replacement fleet in the 2030s. Bell V-280 Valor Developed by Bell Textron, a Texas-based aerospace company, the V-280 was designed with "transformational increases in speed, range, and maneuverability," the Army said in a 2020 release. Propelled by two Rolls-Royce turboshaft engines, the V-280's tiltrotor design allows the aircraft to take off and land vertically like a helicopter and fly like an airplane, like the Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey. In order to be a contender for the Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, the competing aircraft were required to cruise at speeds of up to 322 miles per hour — nearly twice as fast as the Black Hawk's cruising speed of 174 mph. The aircraft was expected to carry up to 14 fully equipped passengers or accommodate external payloads of up to 10,000 pounds. The FLRAA also had to be able to operate at 6,000 feet in temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and fly at least 1,700 nautical miles without refueling. A 'leap ahead' Gen. James Mingus, the Army's vice chief of staff, described the MV-75 as a "leap ahead in technology and capability." "It delivers operational reach that alters how we close with the enemy," Mingus said at the Army Aviation Association of America conference on May 14. "It brings the right combination of speed, payload, and survivability we've never had in one aircraft." The concept is that each MV-75 can rush over a dozen heavily loaded troopers onto assault missions that can catch an enemy off guard. Next-generation military helicopters Bell's V-280 Valor was selected in 2022 as the Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, chosen over the Sikorsky-Boeing Defiant X. The FLRAA is part of the Army's broader effort to modernize its aerial fleet, known as Future Vertical Lift. The Army also planned to develop a new armed scout helicopter known as the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, but the program was canceled earlier this year to prioritize the fielding of the MV-75. The Army is "not just committed to the programme, but how we do it faster as well," Mingus said. Multimission Vertical Takeoff The "M" in the aircraft's designation refers to its multimission purpose, and the "V" represents its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability. While the MV-75 design has yet to be finalized, the future tiltrotor is expected to have a baseline variant that will incorporate features to adapt it to special operations. After entering the engineering and manufacturing stage last year, Bell is under contract to build six prototypes of the MV-75. The Texas-based aerospace company projects to complete its first flight in 2026 and low-rate initial production in 2028. The aircraft is slated to be delivered to the Army around 2030. 'Rapid response and enhanced maneuverability' The next-generation aircraft is expected to serve on missions involving vertical lift, air assault, maritime interdiction, medical evacuation, combat search and rescue, humanitarian relief, and tactical resupply. 101st Airborne Division The 101st Airborne Division, the only Army division specializing in air assault operations, is set to be the first frontline unit to field the MV-75. For nearly six decades, the unit's Combat Aviation Brigade has been operating assault helicopters, such as AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters, and CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. "The 101st flies into real-world contested environments, across wide terrain, often without the luxury of fixed support infrastructure," Mingus said. "They need speed, endurance, and reliability." Preparing for a fight in the Pacific The modernization of the Army's aerial fleet comes as the US military prepares for a potential conflict with China. The long-range mobility of the Army's future aircraft fleet is essential for the vast Pacific theater, consisting of island chains separated by long distances and limited Army infrastructure in the region. The Future Vertical Lift initiative is also focused on enhancing survivability against Chinese and Russian air defenses by equipping future aircraft with high-speed capabilities and reduced radar signatures. Autonomous and semi-autonomous flight Amid the Pentagon's push for AI use within its ranks, the Army is also looking to integrate autonomous and semi-autonomous flight technology into its systems, including the MV-75. "The Army wants to make sure that aircraft can be unmanned," Textron CEO Scott Donnelly said during an earnings call in April. In December 2019, the V-280 Valor successfully completed an autonomous test flight at the company's research center in Arlington, Texas, though two pilots remained onboard to intervene if necessary.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Textron Inc. (TXT) Subsidiary Bell Demonstrates FLRAA Virtual Prototype to Army
Bell, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), on May 20, announced that it had joined the U.S. Army Program Manager FLRAA office to support the demonstration of the FLRAA virtual prototype. FLRAA Project Manager, Colonel Jeffrey Poquette, said he was thrilled to see the first hardware delivered on the FLRAA program. He also noted that leveraging Congressional authorities would not only deliver two FLRAA virtual prototype cockpit simulators but also help in accelerating the broader program by four years. The virtual prototype is a vital part of the Army's accelerated acquisition approach that uses the Middle Tier of the Acquisition process. The two prototypes will expedite user familiarization, feedback, and the development of TTPs in preparation for FLRAA's transformational range and speed. Over time, these assets are likely to be converted into Flight Training Devices. Ryan Ehinger, Senior VP and FLRAA program director at Bell Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) stated the following on the development: 'I am incredibly proud of the joint team's execution, working together in parallel to the weapon system development to deliver this advanced capability. Having the PM FLRAA team alongside the Bell team as we head into final USG testing and delivery is further evidence of the extensive industry/government collaboration benefitting this program.' Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) manufactures products for consumers across several industries by leveraging its network of aircraft, defense, finance, and industrial businesses. The stock has surged by 15% over the past month, driven mainly by Q1 FY25 results that topped estimates for both revenue and earnings. While we acknowledge the potential of TXT as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TXT and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Drone Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires and 11 Best American Defense Stocks to Buy Now. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
