Bell Helicopter [TXT] yesterday said GKN Aerospace will design, develop and manufacture the V-tail aerostructure and ruddervators for the Bell V-280 Valor™.
“We are pleased to announce GKN Aerospace, a world leader in composite aerostructures, is aligning their interests and resources to join Team Valor and will provide the Bell V-280’s signature V-tail,” said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “GKN Aerospace joins our growing team of aerospace leaders to ensure the highest levels of maturity and technical readiness are delivered to the U.S. Army for their future vertical lift missions.”
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| V-280 Valor Image: Bell Helicopter |
Kevin Cummings, CEO, GKN Aerospace North America, said: “We are proud to play such an important role in the development of the V-280 Valor airframe that represents the next generation in vertical lift technology. We look forward to working alongside Bell Helicopter, bringing our expertise across metal and composite design and manufacture to bear to maximize the long-term operational effectiveness and reliability of this aircraft in service for the US Army.”
Since receiving a Technology Investment Agreement Oct. 4 from the Army for the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) Phase 1, Bell Helicopter has added Moog Inc. (MOG.A and MOG.B) and GE Aviation [GE] to Team Valor (Defense Daily, Oct. 4, 10, 17).
AVX Aircraft Company, Karem Aircraft Inc. and Sikorsky Aircraft [UTX] also received Technology Investment Agreements from the Army for the JMR TD Phase 1.