Safran Defense & Space (Safran DSI) has secured a contract with Bell Textron, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., to provide advanced onboard and ground flight testing solutions for six aircraft under the U.S. Army's future long-range assault aircraft (FLRAA) programme. This agreement marks a major milestone in the development of next-generation vertical-lift capabilities.
Safran DSI will deliver a comprehensive end-to-end solution, employing state-of-the-art technology to ensure precise data acquisition, recording and analysis throughout the aircraft's testing phase.
“FLRAA is a key development in the U.S. Army's modernisation efforts, and we are excited to contribute to this mission with our advanced flight-testing solutions,” said Andrei Gugiu, EVP Aerospace Instrumentation & Mission Systems for Testing & Telemetry. “This contract underscores the dedication and expertise of our team in delivering reliable, mission-critical technologies for the U.S. government.”
FLRAA, developed by Bell, is designed to transform the Army's vertical lift capabilities. As a tiltrotor aircraft, it combines the vertical take-off and landing ability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a twin-turboprop aircraft. It is expected to become a crucial component of the Army's future air mobility strategy, enhancing operational efficiency and mission effectiveness.