The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command featured 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 were also 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,” he added.
In addition, Bell Helicopter displayed 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 showcased the company’s proven unmanned platforms, including the Shadow® Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (photo) 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. 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,” said Vice President, International Business Development Ryan Hazlett.
