Farnborough Air Show - July 17, 2006 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron company (NYSE: TXT), today announced that US Helicopter, a division of Bell Aerospace Services Inc. (BellAero) the delivery of the 100th Huey II to the Department of State (DoS). The Huey II aircraft play a key role in supporting two important strategic missions: 1) reduce the entry of illegal drugs into the United States; and 2) minimize the impact of international crime on the United States and its citizens.
At a formal Rollout Ceremony was held at the BellAero Ozark, Alabama, facility Sharon Nell, executive director of the INL Air Wing said "US Helicopter has been a valued partner in providing aviation support to U.S. Department of State counter narcotics and counterterrorism missions in various countries around the world," The delivery of the 100th Huey II provides an excellent opportunity to recognize the outstanding efforts and dedication of all those responsible for the delivery of high quality aircraft, when and where they are needed." She concluded.
Speaking at the same ceremony, Michael Prieto, president of BellAero said, "Since 1993, it has been an honor and privilege for the Huey II Team to support this important DoS operation. We are very proud of the women and men of the DoS who protect our country against drugs and crime." The Huey II effort is lead by BellAero and includes Bell Helicopter, Honeywell, and McTurbine, Inc.
The Huey II upgrade starts with the proven, reliable Bell UH-1H helicopter, adds a zero-time component overhaul, a more powerful engine, along with new dynamic components, and tailboom. In addition, there is a new navigation and communication suite, special mission systems and total rewiring. The Huey II upgrade yields a significant performance increase, extends the service life by 20 years, and is the only OEM approved upgrade.
Bell Aerospace Services, Inc. provides turnkey logistics services and support throughout the world. In June 2005, BellAero acquired US Helicopter, which is widely regarded as the premier maintenance and modification center for H-1 rotorcraft in the world. Over the last fifteen years, US Helicopter has refurbished over five hundred H-1 and remanufactured over one hundred Huey II rotorcraft. BellAero is a subsidiary of Bell Helicopter.
Bell Helicopter 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.
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees in continuing operations. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.