The National Research Council Canada (NRC) and Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced today that they have signed a 10-year research framework agreement to identify and undertake work of mutual interest in the research and development of technology solutions for the aerospace industry. This agreement will streamline the process of setting up fee-for-service and collaborative research projects of mutual interest to the two organizations.

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensure the aerospace industry remains strong, internationally competitive and at the leading edge of technology development,” said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry. “This agreement builds on and expands the National Research Council’s long-standing research and business relationship with Bell Helicopter Textron in an area where Canada has a proven capability”.

“It will make it even easier for the NRC and Bell Helicopter to combine their expertise to pursue innovations in the lab that will ultimately deliver technology solutions to the global marketplace,” says Mr. John McDougall, President of the NRC. “Ultimately, these collaborations will make a very real impact on the creation of safer, lighter, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly aircraft.”

With this agreement, the two organizations will continue this productive relationship well into the future. Projects including the continued exploration of the use of composite materials for aircraft structures and flight-test of new avionics systems are under way. Wind tunnel testing of proposed helicopter design modifications is slated to begin in the fall of 2010.

“Bell Helicopter has a 75-year legacy of technological innovation and is committed to continuing that history. We are honored to partner with NRC to develop further advancements for the helicopter industry including setting new standards in design, safety and operational capabilities,” said John L. Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “We look forward to continuing our demonstrated alliance while bringing increased value to our customers.”

For over 50 years, Bell Helicopter and NRC have enjoyed a long-standing collaborative research and technology development relationship that has resulted in the development of specifications for helicopter handling qualities, advances in understanding about rotary-wing aerodynamics, and Canadian breakthroughs in manufacturing aircraft structures from composite materials.

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 tilt rotor 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 Aircraft Company , Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

About the National Research Council Canada
Recognized globally for research and innovation, the National Research Council Canada (NRC) is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology. Its Institute for Aerospace Research is Canada’s national aerospace laboratory, undertaking and promoting research and development in support of the Canadian aerospace community in matters affecting the design, manufacture, performance, use and safety of aerospace vehicles.