Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announces today that power management company, Eaton (NYSE: ETN) will be providing the hydraulic system for the Bell V-280 Valor™ .

John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter, says: “We are pleased Eaton is making the strategic decision to join our growing team of aerospace leaders and help develop our third generation tiltrotor, the Bell V-280. Eaton is teaming with Bell to provide a complete hydraulic system for the V-280. Team Valor continues to align interests and resources on this clean sheet design, together delivering technology and innovation that reduces cost, weight and complexity in order to make the next generation of tiltrotor technology more affordable.”

Eaton’s contributions will include system design and analysis, component modification and qualification, and flight-testing support. Eaton’s highly reliable products and proven technologies for the V-280 hydraulic system support power generation, fluid control and fluid distribution, and includes engine driven pumps, reservoirs, fuses, hoses, quick disconnects, tubing and the main engine starting subsystem.

Uday Yadav, president of Eaton’s Aerospace Group, says: “Eaton’s selection as the V-280 hydraulic system supplier is based on our extensive track record of providing reliable, cost-effective solutions for next-generation aircraft. Our expertise in hydraulic system design, development and integration will help Bell Helicopter and Team Valor produce a revolutionary aircraft that strengthens the U.S. Army’s operational capabilities.”

The transformational features of Bell Helicopter’s third generation tiltrotor technologies within the Joint Multi Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) reduce risk and inform the requirements for the Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program.  The V-280 is designed to feature increased maintainability and component and systems reliability, while providing twice the speed and range of the U.S. Army’s current fleet. The Bell V-280 Valor will offer commanders a combat maneuver platform with the unmatched operational agility and effectiveness to self-deploy and perform multiple vertical lift missions.

Team Valor is a group comprised of leading aerospace companies bringing the best engineering resources, industrial capabilities and critical thinking to meet the U.S. Army’s needs.

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

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 Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

About Eaton

Eaton is a power management company with 2013 sales of $22.0 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 101,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.