Aurora Flight Sciences (Manassas, Va., USA) on July 14 announced that it has been selected by Bell Helicopter (Ft. Worth, Texas, USA) to manufacture composite airframe structures as part of the Bell 525 Relentless helicopter program.
The composite fairings of the Bell 525’s main engine cowling section will be manufactured and assembled at Aurora’s Bridgeport, W.V., USA, facility. Aurora will work directly with the Bell Helicopter team to meet challenging schedule and production rate requirements.
“Aurora is pleased to be a part of the Bell Helicopter 525 Relentless team,” says Mark Cherry, Aurora’s president and COO. “Aurora’s production capabilities and expertise in composite manufacturing were key discriminators in Bell Helicopter’s decision to choose Aurora for this exciting program.”
The Bell 525 Relentless allows for up to 20 passengers and cruise distances of 500 nautical miles, making it well suited for offshore deepwater, search and rescue and VIP missions.