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Bell 'gearing up' for expanded H-1 and V-22 production |
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Friday, 15 August 2008 |
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Bell Helicopter has announced a major expansion at its Texas facility in preparation for increased H-1 helicopter and Bell Boeing V-22 production.
Rotorcraft manufacturer Bell Helicopter has announced ambitious expansion plans at its military aircraft assembly centre in Amarillo Texas, as it gears up for increased production.
The company said that it plans to increase production output of both the H-1 helicopter and the Bell Boeing V-22 at the additional 176,000 square foot space.
Scheduled for completion in July 2009, the expansion follows the signing of a V-22 multi-year production contract between Bell and aviation company Boeing in March 2008.
The contract provides 167 aircraft to the US Marine Corps and Air Force over the next five years.
"In just a few short years we will go from manufacturing the 17 V-22's we'll deliver this year to over 40 Ospreys annually," said Bob Kenney, executive vice-president for government programmes at Bell.
"The Marines have been flying their MV-22's in combat in Iraq for the past year. This plant expansion enables us to meet the urgent needs of our customers."
Last month, Bell Helicopter signed a contract with Australian aviation company Hawker Pacific for the delivery of 12 Bell 407 and two Bell 206B3 helicopters. |
