Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the latest list of key suppliers for the Bell 525 Relentless, the world’s first “super-medium” helicopter.

“This is an important milestone for the 525 Relentless program as we transition from the preliminary design phase into detailed design,” said Larry Thimmesch, Bell Helicopter’s vice president of Commercial Programs. “Collaborating with these critical suppliers on our customer solution is testament to just how far the Relentless program has come in a few short months since it was unveiled at HeliExpo in Dallas, Texas this February. The new Bell 525 Relentless is a culmination of our research and development efforts, in collaboration with continual inputs from our Customer Advisory Panel, comprised of large operators from around the globe in every segment of the business.”

Bell Helicopter has established agreements for equipment, parts and tooling with the following suppliers for the 525 Relentless program:

• GKN Aerospace – Airframe Structure (Complex Machining & Composites)
• Goodrich – Ice Protection System
• Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. – Passenger Seating
• Mecaer Aviation Group – Wheeled Landing Gear
• Kuka – Major Structure Tooling
• Pacifica Engineering – Rotor & Drive Tooling
• Triumph Group – Airframe Structure (Complex Machining & Composites)

The program team is focused on the detail part design, the design to manufacturing transition, and component and system testing.  Suppliers are now collaborating on the design and delivery of their respective components to support the first prototype build.

“Securing these leading suppliers for parts, systems and tooling underscores the progress we are making toward our objective of meeting our customers’ needs by delivering this game changing product to the market as soon as possible. These suppliers are examples in how we are implementing the use of proven new technology to meet our customer’s future needs to safely, repeatedly and reliably execute their missions,” added Thimmesch.

The Bell 525 Relentless defines the new “super medium” product class – positioned at the upper end of the medium class and designed to offer best-in-class capabilities to our customers. It features superior payload and range, cabin and cargo volumes and crew visibility.

The Bell 525 Relentless mock up with be on display at the Farnborough International Airshow July 9-13, 2012.

About the 525 Relentless

The Bell 525 Relentless defines the “super medium” product class – positioned at the upper end of the medium class and designed to offer best-in-class capabilities to our customers. It features superior payload and range, cabin and cargo volumes and crew visibility.

The new Bell 525 Relentless will be powered by the reliable performance of world-class GE engines – the GE CT7-2F1.

This latest version of the highly successful CT7 family is designed with an emphasis on reliability, fuel efficiency, minimized maintenance costs and other technical features to ensure aircraft meet the requirements of long range, high payload missions. The CT7-2F1 engine includes a state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) plus advanced materials, primarily in the turbine section.

Capable of carrying up to 16 passengers, the Bell 525 Relentless is designed to support our customers in various mission configurations including oil & gas, search & rescue, helicopter emergency medical services and VIP/corporate transport.