News
Bell 525 Relentless gains momentum; names key suppliers
July 3, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
July 3, 2012, Fort Worth, Tx. - Bell Helicopter has announced the latest list of suppliers for the Bell 525 Relentless, the world's first "super-medium" helicopter.
"This is an important milestone for the 525 Relentless program as we transition from the preliminary design phase into detailed design," said Larry Thimmesch, Bell Helicopter’s vice president of Commercial Programs. "Collaborating with these critical suppliers on our customer solution is testament to just how far the Relentless program has come in a few short months since it was unveiled at HeliExpo in Dallas, Texas this February. The new Bell 525 Relentless is a culmination of our research and development efforts, in collaboration with continual inputs from our Customer Advisory Panel, comprised of large operators from around the globe in every segment of the business."
Bell Helicopter has established agreements for equipment, parts and tooling with the following suppliers for the 525 Relentless program:
GKN Aerospace – Airframe Structure (Complex Machining & Composites)
Goodrich – Ice Protection System
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. – Passenger Seating
Mecaer Aviation Group – Wheeled Landing Gear
Kuka – Major Structure Tooling
Pacifica Engineering – Rotor & Drive Tooling
Triumph Group – Airframe Structure (Complex Machining & Composites)
The program team is focused on the detail part design, the design to manufacturing transition, and component and system testing. Suppliers are now collaborating on the design and delivery of their respective components to support the first prototype build.
"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. 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,” added Thimmesch.
The Bell 525 Relentless defines the new "super medium" product class – positioned at the upper end of the medium class and designed to offer best-in-class capabilities to our customers. It features superior payload and range, cabin and cargo volumes and crew visibility.
The Bell 525 Relentless mock up with be on display at the Farnborough International Airshow July 9-13, 2012.
