Bell Helicopter and Textron Systems Announce First Joint Appearance at NATO Days
Ostrava, Czech Republic (September 17, 2014) – Bell Helicopter and Textron Systems, both businesses of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), will showcase a range of products for European customers during their first appearance at NATO Days, September 20-21 in the Czech Republic.
The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command will feature the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey in static and dynamic display. This follows the recent demonstration at the NATO Summit and an announcement the aircraft will be used in upcoming multinational exercises across the alliance. Bell Helicopter subject matter experts will also be on-hand to convey the new era of capabilities available in Bell Helicopter’s military aircraft. The Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y are the most advanced, multi-role attack and utility helicopters in the world, currently in operation with the U.S. Marine Corps.
“In the past few years, we have had great success in Europe and have made significant investments to modernize our entire product line to best meet the mission needs of our customers throughout the world,” said Patrick Moulay, vice president of European Sales for Bell Helicopter. “Attending the largest air, army and security show in Central Europe provides the opportunity to highlight how Bell Helicopter’s commercial and military aircraft are currently delivering for our global customers and demonstrate how these enhanced capabilities could strengthen the NATO Alliance.”
In addition, Bell Helicopter will display the Bell 429, which features a spacious cabin and state-of-the-art glass cockpit. It will be configured for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) missions.
Textron Systems will showcase the company’s proven unmanned platforms, including the Shadow® Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System and the Aerosonde® Small Unmanned Aircraft System. The Shadow system has amassed nearly one million flight hours, more than 90 percent of which were during combat operations for customers including the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and Australian Defence Force. The Aerosonde system is also deployed internationally for several U.S. Department of Defense customers, with Textron Systems’ operators and maintainers in the field delivering thousands of mission hours monthly under an innovative fee-for-service business model.
These unmanned platforms are supported by a range of interoperable, configurable Ground Control Station technologies, as well as Textron Systems’ family of remote products, which deliver critical data for informed decision-making across the battlespace.
“Our unmanned systems and ground control technologies are mission-proven and trusted by our customers for their capability and performance,” said Vice President, International Business Development Ryan Hazlett. “Well-utilized within Eastern Europe and well-suited for the unique terrain, our systems can support a variety of tactical and civil mission sets for customers in the region.”
NATO Days’ goal is to present a wide spectrum of the resources and the capabilities of the Czech Republic and its allies in the field of security provision to the general public. Last year, NATO Days welcomed more than 145,000 visitors despite poor weather.
The Bell Helicopter and Textron Systems joint display will be located outside exhibit area L2 and will be open both days of the show.
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About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor 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.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems’ businesses develop and integrate products, services and support for aerospace and defense customers, as well as civil and commercial customers including those in law enforcement, security, border patrol and critical infrastructure protection around the globe. Harnessing agility and a broad base of expertise, Textron Systems’ innovative businesses design, manufacture, field and support comprehensive solutions that expand customer capabilities and deliver value. Textron Systems consists of its Advanced Information Solutions, Electronic Systems, Geospatial Solutions, Lycoming Engines, Marine & Land Systems, Support Solutions, TRU Simulation + Training, Unmanned Systems and Weapon & Sensor Systems businesses. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, 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, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.
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