Bell to open a new Systems Integration Lab in Texas

This facility will support testing and verification for both the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) programs, each with their own dedicated footprint. Bell anticipates starting construction in the coming weeks.

This new facility is being built to perform risk reduction, integration, verification and validation testing on air vehicle and mission systems and the software needed to meet requirements for Future Vertical Lift complete weapon system development programs. This SIL enhances Bell’s proven ability to deliver revolutionary improvements in aviation programs by supporting safe, rapid and efficient flight test programs.

Open collaboration between government and industry

Keith Flail, Executive Vice President, Advanced Vertical Lift Systems at Bell, commented: “Our team has proven we are able to deliver leap-ahead, flight-proven performance and successfully complete rapid design, build and rigorous flight test programs. This SIL is the next step in bringing both FLRAA and FARA solutions to fruition for the US Army.”

The SILs are designed to quickly integrate and test mission and air vehicle system capabilities while also demonstrating sustainment capabilities to meet program requirements, enabling open and direct collaboration between government and industry partners.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said: “The City of Arlington has been home to Bell Flight Research since 1967 and is incredibly proud of our continued partnership, the opening of this new facility and the company’s newest technology and innovations elevating North Texas and beyond.”

Earlier this year, Bell Textron received the supplemental type certificate for the installation of QuantiFLY, a new aircraft communication unit.