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 Corporation ("Textron Systems")
provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the defense, homeland
security and aerospace communities. The company is known for its precision smart
weapons, surveillance systems, complex intelligence and communications systems,
aircraft control components, piston engines, specialty marine craft and armored
vehicles. Textron Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avco Corporation. Avco
Corporation is wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available
at www.textronsystems.com. About
Textron
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating
in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 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 and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at
www.textron.com. | 
