BAE lands Bell Helicopter contract

ENDICOTT — Bell Helicopter selected BAE Systems to provide fly-by-wire flight-control computers for its 525 Relentless super medium-class helicopter.

BAE Systems flight-control computers provide the ability to operate in austere environments safely and reliably with decreased pilot workload, according to the company.

Through the strategic relationship, BAE Systems will provide Bell Helicopter with the flight-control computers under a systems development and demonstration contract to deliver flight-qualified units to be used for flight test and certification, with follow-on production work over the next five years. BAE will conduct development work at its Endicott facility and production at its facility in Fort Wayne, Ind.

The system provides pilots with the ability to fly in demanding missions in uncontrolled environments without external navigation or landing aids. The system is a full-authority digital flight controller that provides fly-by-wire flight control, integrated flight and propulsion control, aircraft center-of-gravity computation for stores and fuel contents, structural air loads alleviation, and handling performance.

“BAE Systems has more than five decades of experience developing and producing flight-control and vehicle-management systems for all types of aircraft,” said Joe Senftle, vice president of communications and control solutions for BAE in a news release. “Our industry-leading record of technology innovation, reliability, and successful development programs will ensure best-in-class operations for the 525 Relentless helicopter.”

BAE’s Southern Tier operations on the Huron Campus in Endicott produce electronic controls for military and commercial aircraft and hybrid electric propulsion systems for transit buses.

Headquartered in Arlington, Va., BAE Systems, Inc., the U.S.-based segment of BAE Systems plc, employs approximately 46,200 people across 130 sites around the world. Sales in 2010 totaled $17.9 billion.

The defense, security, and aerospace company delivers products and services for air, land, and naval forces as well as advanced electronics, security, information-technology solutions, and customer-support services.

Contact DeLore at tgregory@tgbbj.com