In Last 18 Months Bell Takes Over 50% of All New LE Helicopter Orders
Farnborough Air Show - July 17, 2006 - The delivery of a Bell Helicopter Model 47 helicopter in 1948 marked the beginning of law enforcement aviation and the beginning of Bell's commitment to the first responder who protect the citizens of this country. As the 60th Anniversary of this promise to public service approaches, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, vows its continued obligation to provide the safest, economical, most advanced and mission ready vertical lift products.
In the past eighteen months, Bell Helicopter has taken orders for thirty-seven aircraft from its law enforcement customers. Bell Helicopter Director of Homeland Security Paul Pitts commenting on the success said, "Over 50% of the new helicopters ordered by law enforcement agencies over this period are Bell Helicopters. Our closest competitor is 10 points behind."
An analysis of the sales reveals that the Bell 407 is by far the most desired aircraft for the law enforcement mission. More than half of the LE Agencies that bought helicopters chose the Bell 407. This included purchases by the Minnesota State police, Dallas Police Department, Puerto Rico Police Department, Las Vegas Metro and Orange County (FL) to name a few.
"The demand is unprecedented, the pipeline for new orders is strong and we are grateful for loyalty of the law enforcement community to Bell Helicopter. Our commitment to quality, safety and most of all our Customer Service continues to be the leading factor in our customer's reliance on Bell products. We look to double our orders over the next year and one half." Pitts concluded.
As Bell moves forward to be Premier in Vertical Lift, the continued development of the Bell 417 incorporates lessons learned from listening to its law enforcement customers.
The Bell 417 offers additional power and useful load in order to meet law enforcement's requirements for the added technology carried onboard many police helicopters and medical aircraft. The 417 is also ready to handle the emerging tactical requirements to assure the security of the homeland. Assuring law enforcement needs are met a member of Bell's Homeland Security Team participated in the development of the aircraft. In fact, when the aircraft was unveiled this winter at HeliExpo in Dallas, Texas by Bell's CEO Mike Redenbaugh, it sported a law enforcement configuration.
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. 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.