Farnborough Air Show - July 17, 2006 - At ceremonies on the opening day of the Farnborough International Air Show, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company and Urban Aeronautics, Limited, revealed the X-Hawk™ Fancraft™. The X-Hawk™ offers the vertical lift performance features of a helicopter, but without exposed rotors.
"Bell Helicopter is pleased to be exploring this exciting new technology with Urban Aeronautics. The advancement of vertical lift aircraft will only come with the development of new ideas and concepts. Bell's history reflects a leading edge approach to research and development with tiltrotor technology the leading example of such efforts." said Bell Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh. "The X-Hawk offers the potential of another significant aviation advancement," he concluded.
The X-Hawk configuration is ideal for vertical lift missions in confined areas and particularly in the urban environment. A fancraft™ is an ideal candidate for emergency medical services (EMS) on the commercial side. An extremely versatile air vehicle, X-Hawk™ is particularly suited for urban operations on the military side.
To accelerate development of X-Hawk™, Bell and Urban Aero have established a phased approach to development. In this first phase, technology assessments and market analysis will be performed to include pursuit of funding sources. Subsequent phases shall address specific work split issues and other related business arrangements.
As X-Hawk™ develops, it is expected that Urban Aero will lead air vehicle design activities and Bell Helicopter will perform systems integration and production work. In the second phase, Bell XworX will build an X-Hawk™ demonstration vehicle, capitalizing on the proven agility and manufacturing technologies offered by its rapid prototyping center of excellence.
Bell Helicopter and Urban Aeronautics anticipate this revolutionary Fancraft™ technology will transform urban operations on both the civil and military sides.
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.