Bell Textron Inc has been selected for the fourth phase of the US Army’s Flight School Next competition, the company announced today.“Bell is proud to be selected for the fourth phase of the Flight School Next competition alongside our teammates,” said John Novalis II, Strategic Director, Flight School Next. “From the very beginning, our team set out to deliver the most cost-effective and low-risk solution for the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) programme at Fort Rucker, leveraging Bell’s unique position as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and world leader in flight training. Making it to this stage proves that Bell’s solution is strong and we look forward to demonstrating our ability to execute.”
During Phase IV, Bell and its partners – DigiFlight, Delaware Resource Group (DRG), V2X, Alpha 1 Aerospace, Semper Fly and TRU Simulation – will demonstrate to the Army its turnkey solution to include the Bell 505 along with the technology and innovation that supports execution of the programme.
In its announcement, the company says it will be ready to support from day one, adding: “Bell is excited about the opportunity to partner with the Army for Flight School Next. Flight training is in our DNA, and we have the right team, aircraft, and an innovative solution to transform Army flight training at Fort Rucker.”
Also announcing their forward selection today are rivals M1 which has the R66 as its aircraft platform.
Image: Bell
