Farnborough, England – July 17, 2006 – HR Textron (Santa Clarita, California), an operating unit of Textron Systems, has partnered with Bell Helicopter to design and logistically manage the Flight Control Actuation System (FCAS) for the Bell 429 light twin helicopter. The FCAS is being developed and will be delivered to Bell as an integrated system. The 429 made its debut at the 2004 HAI tradeshow. Textron Systems is a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.
Rohn Olson, chief engineer of Fluid Power and Controls, Bell Helicopter, said, "The collaboration of Bell Helicopter with HR Textron for both subsystem development and supply chain management has provided an excellent opportunity to merge the technical expertise of both companies and to enhance HR Textron's capability offering and business opportunities. Their commitment to build a full-scale system test rig, and to present production deliveries in a 'value-added' kit form will also bring tremendous benefits to the 429 program."
Joe Klocko, vice president, business development, HR Textron, said, "HR Textron has more than 50 years of experience in designing and manufacturing flight controls, components and systems. The development of the FCAS leverages our expertise in several areas -- including systems integration and supply chain management -- enabling us to offer our customers a total package solution in performance, reliability and total cost."
The FCAS includes primary flight control main and tail rotor actuators; hydraulic pumps, hoses, tubes; integrated hydraulic manifold incorporating control valves and reservoir; electromechanical trim (autopilot) and SCAS actuators; and mechanical control tubes, bell cranks and idlers. HR Textron will procure, assemble and test the system as well as design and manufacture key components.
Rick Bartz, Bell 429 program manager, HR Textron, said, "For the 429 program, we're performing systems engineering and integration, validating requirements and system characteristics through actual testing, and managing the entire system supply chain for our customer. We'll also deliver the system in kit form to the 429 assembly line point-of-use. The logistics aspects of the program contribute very effectively to Bell's acceleration of the 429 production cycle, saving time and minimizing costs."
Systems Integration Simulation and Testing
Validation of FCAS requirements will be performed on a full-scale "iron bird" System Integration Rig (SIR) at the HR Textron facility. The SIR will also provide analysis and evaluation support during flight tests, and enable exploration of control system handling qualities. The SIR will include the FCAS and all pilot input controls and linkages. It will be operated by a computer-controlled system that inputs both pilot and flight loads and monitors sensor generated data during testing.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the global aerospace and defense industries. The company supports military precision engagement and dominant maneuver with strike weapons, mobility and surveillance systems. The Textron name is well known in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft control components, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles. Textron Systems Corporation ("Textron Systems") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avco Corporation. Avco Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. HR Textron Inc. ("HR Textron") is a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. HR Textron is a separate legal entity and is a member of the Textron family of companies. More information is available at www.systems.textron.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company with approximately 37,000 employees in continuing operations in 33 countries. 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.