Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that LORD Corporation will design and manufacture elastomeric components for the Bell V-280 Valor™.

“We are pleased LORD Corporation has made the strategic decision to join our growing team of aerospace leaders and help develop our third generation tiltrotor, the Bell V-280,” said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “LORD’s advanced elastomeric components are critical enablers of Bell V-280 tiltrotor’s increased rotor flapping and enhanced low speed agility. Team Valor continues to align interests and resources to deliver the highest levels of maturity and technical readiness to the U.S. Army for their future vertical lift missions.”

“LORD is proud to play such an important role in the development of the V-280 Valor which represents the next generation in vertical lift technology,” said Bill Cerami, president, LORD Aerospace & Defense. “We look forward to working alongside Bell Helicopter, bringing our expertise in elastomeric component design and manufacture to bear in order to maximize the long-term operational effectiveness, reliability, and affordability of this aircraft in service for the U.S. Army.”

The transformational features of Bell Helicopter’s third generation tiltrotor represent the most operationally effective aircraft for the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift requirements. With increased maintainability and component and systems reliability, the Bell V-280 is designed to deliver the best value in procurement, operations and support, and force structure. With 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 to self-deploy and perform a multitude of vertical lift missions.

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

About LORD Corporation
LORD Corporation is a diversified technology and manufacturing company developing highly reliable adhesives, coatings, motion management devices, and sensing technologies that significantly reduce risk and improve product performance. For nearly 90 years, LORD has worked in collaboration with our customers to provide innovative aerospace, defense, automotive and industrial solutions. With world headquarters in Cary, N.C. and 2012 revenues in excess of $860 million, LORD has more than 2,900 employees in 25 countries and operates 15 manufacturing facilities and nine R&D centers worldwide. LORD actively promotes STEM education and many other community engagement initiatives where we work and live. For more information, visit www.lord.com.