Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has selected the site for a 447,000-square-foot manufacturing facility dedicated to producing components for the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).
The facility will be located in the Denton County area of Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to begin production readiness for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) by 2028.
“Bell is committed to establishing future manufacturing locations to deliver the first fielded aircraft by the early 2030s and do our part to revolutionize U.S. Army aviation,” said Lisa Atherton, President and CEO of Bell. “This facility also represents a strong economic partnership with the State of Texas, the City of Fort Worth, Northwest ISD, and Denton County.”
The FLRAA program is part of the U.S. Army’s effort to modernize its aviation capabilities with a long-range assault aircraft that offers greater speed, range, and endurance compared to the current fleet. The aircraft, leveraging advanced tiltrotor technology, will provide critical capabilities for air assault, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and resupply missions.
Brig. Gen. David Phillips highlighted the significance of the program, stating, “The Army is committed to delivering the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, providing the speed, range, and endurance needed to conduct effective air assault, MEDEVAC, and resupply missions for future Large Scale Combat Operations. It is great to see our industry partners share in that commitment by investing in state-of-the-art facilities to produce the Army’s first ‘born digital’ aircraft weapon system.”
Bell’s new facility is a key component of its strategy to implement innovative manufacturing processes, enhance affordability, and ensure top-tier performance. Since being awarded the FLRAA contract in December 2022, Bell has launched multiple state-of-the-art facilities to refine and mature designs through the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase.
This facility will integrate advanced digital engineering approaches and a modular open systems architecture to ensure a reliable and efficient production pipeline. By leveraging mature tiltrotor technology, Bell aims to produce an aircraft that flies twice as fast and twice as far as existing platforms, delivering unmatched capabilities for the Army’s future operational needs.
The facility’s establishment is expected to bring economic benefits to the North Texas region. Bell’s partnership with local government and educational institutions reflects a broader commitment to fostering economic growth and technological advancement.
As Bell prepares for full-scale production, the facility represents a critical step toward fulfilling the U.S. Army’s vision of a modernized and highly capable aviation fleet.