GE Aerospace Collaborates with Bell Textron Inc. on Next-Generation Vertical Lift Aircraft

In a significant stride towards enhancing military capabilities, GE Aerospace has announced its partnership with Bell Textron Inc., a Textron company, for the development of cutting-edge technology for the Bell V-280 Valor aircraft. The collaboration focuses on the creation of a Common Open Architecture Digital Backbone (COADB), Voice and Data Recorder, and the Health Awareness System (HAS).

The Bell V-280 Valor, selected for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program, promises to equip the U.S. Army and its allies with superior battlefield capabilities, including advancements in speed, range, payload, and endurance. GE Aerospace’s systems will be integrated into an open, scalable, high-speed data infrastructure in line with the U.S. Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), facilitating rapid testing, verification, and deployment of mission-centric capabilities for future vertical lift programs.

Ryan Ehinger, senior vice president and program director for FLRAA at Bell, emphasized the collaborative nature of the approach, stating, “This collaborative approach provides the Army a vendor-agnostic path to explore new systems and capabilities – delivering soldiers the right tools for success in multi-domain missions.”

A key aspect of the collaboration is GE Aerospace’s expertise in delivering open avionics architecture, which will enable the Army to benefit from Modular Open Systems Approach designs from the outset of the Future Vertical Lift programs. Amy Gowder, president and CEO of Defense & Systems for GE Aerospace, highlighted the importance of providing an open, high-speed, secure, interoperable system in the digital backbone to support the customer effectively.

The COADB draws from lessons learned from the Army’s Mission System Architecture Demonstration (MSAD), demonstrating the ability to rapidly integrate multiple operationally relevant sensors and equipment packages. The Voice and Data Recorder and Health Awareness System further enhance mission capabilities, ensuring safety, maintenance, and flight quality assurance throughout the mission cycle.

Bell and GE Aerospace are committed to incorporating these advanced capabilities into the Bell V-280 Valor and Bell 360 Invictus as part of the FLRAA and FARA programs, setting standards for quicker, more affordable upgrades in capability as technologies and mission requirements evolve.

Headquartered in Evendale, Ohio, GE Aerospace, a subsidiary of General Electric, stands as one of the top aircraft engine suppliers globally. With a rich history of innovation and collaboration, GE Aerospace continues to push boundaries in the aerospace industry, ensuring that military operators have the tools they need to maintain a competitive edge on the battlefield.