Moog to work with Bell on VTOL aircraft

Helicopter manufacturer Bell Helicopters and Moog, a designer, manufacturer and integrator of precision control components and systems, have announced the signing of a new teaming agreement for the development of the Flight Control Actuation System (FCAS) to support Bell’s vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and on-demand mobility solutions.

“Bell continues to identify solutions and teammates that will achieve new possibilities together,” said Bell’s Scott Drennan, Vice-President of Innovation. “Within this collaboration, Moog will ensure an advanced, fully integrated actuation system which will provide a safe, reliable and affordable solution for our aircraft.”

The agreement will see Bell lead the development, design and production of the VTOL system, with Moog leading the design and development of the FCAS, which includes architecture, hardware and software needed for air vehicle flight control actuation management.

“We are absolutely delighted that Moog has been selected by Bell to partner on this exciting program to explore and develop the on-demand mobility market. Moog’s role will include providing the all-electric, fly-by-wire actuators and electronics used to direct and control the aircraft’s propulsion system and aero-surfaces,” Ralph Elbert, group Vice-President and GM Moog Aircraft.

To assist with the development of its VTOL aircraft, Bell has also signed agreements with: Safran, which will provide the hybrid propulsion systems; Garmin, which will integrate the avionics and the vehicle management computer systems; EPS, which will provide the energy storage systems; and Thales, which will lead the flight controls system.