Amarillo, TX - January 25, 2007 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today delivered the first production AH-1Z attack helicopter to the U.S. Department of Defense. Earlier this month the first UH-1Y utility helicopter was delivered. These two helicopters comprise the H-1 program that will ultimately provide 280 upgraded attack and utility helicopters to the United States Marine Corps. Both updated helicopters had a joint roll-out ceremony in September of last year.
Dick Millman, president and CEO of Bell, stated, "Bell Helicopter is pleased to be able to provide these much-needed assets to our warfighters. The modernization of the Corps' aging fleet will provide enhanced capabilities while reducing operational costs in the field."
"We have created completely modernized attack and utility helicopters that have considerable design commonality to reduce operating costs. The AH-1Z and UH-1Y share common tail boom, engines, rotor system, drive train, avionics architecture, software, controls and displays for over 84 percent identical components. This should drive down maintenance while improving reliability for a cost savings of more than $3B over the 30 year program," said Mike Blake, Bell's executive vice president for Programs.
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 an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. 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, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.