Bell Helicopter has named its main suppliers for its new 525 Relentless ‘super-medium’ helicopter.
GKN Aerospace and Triumph Group will provide complex machining and composites for the airframe structure of the helicopter, Goodrich the ice protection system, Israel Aerospace Industries the passenger seating, Mecaer Aviation Group the wheeled landing gear, while Kuka and Pacifica Engineering will provide tooling.
“Securing these leading suppliers for parts, systems and tooling underscores the progress we are making toward our objective of meeting our customers’ needs by delivering this game changing product to the market as soon as possible,” said Larry Thimmesch, Bell’s vice president commercial programs. “These suppliers are examples in how we are implementing the use of proven new technology to meet our customer’s future needs to safely, repeatedly and reliably execute their missions.”
The Bell 525 Relentless was launched in February and is aimed primarily at the offshore market, although Bell will also build specialised aeromedical, search and rescue and VIP/corporate configured aircraft.
