Collins, Textron Contracted for Rotorcraft, Trainers

Two companies announced April 13 they had received contracts for new work on military aerospace systems. Collins Aerospace announced April 13 that it had received contracts from Bell Textron, Inc., to build five new systems for future U.S. Army aircraft, and in a separate statement, Textron Aviation Inc. announced it received a $150 million contract to continue servicing several military branches’ training aircraft. Collins Aerospace did not disclose how much its own contract was worth.

In a company statement, Collins Aerospace says its contract from Bell Textron Inc. means it will manufacture five systems for the MV-75 Long Range Assault Aircraft, a new attack helicopter. Collins Aerospace will build the MV-75 FLRAA’s main power generation, interconnect drive, air data, cockpit seating, and ice protection systems. Company president Troy Brunk said Collins would do its part to produce a new exceptional rotorcraft.

“The Army's new generation of rotorcraft needs to fly farther and faster, and we're committed to helping Bell accelerate delivery of that advanced performance with Collins' military-grade commercial technology,” Brunk said. “We have ready-now manufacturing and service capabilities around the globe to ensure the Army can urgently deliver, modernize and sustain the MV-75 FLRAA for the next 50 years.” Collins added the work on the rotorcraft components would take place in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and West Virginia.

Meanwhile, Bell Textron Inc., in its own April 13 statement, said it would provide Sustaining Engineering and Program Management services for the Air Force, Navy, and Army’s T-6A, T-6B, and T-6D training aircraft. The $150 million will go towards supporting the trainer aircraft’s engineering and functions for an additional five years. In a statement, Textron Aviation Defense CEO Travis Tyler said the contract extension demonstrates the company’s commitment to the trainers.

“This follow‑on SEPM contract reflects the U.S. Government T-6 Joint Program Office’s continued confidence in our team and our ability to keep the T‑6 Texan II fleet mission‑ready,” Tyler said. “Our focus remains on sustaining aircraft availability and supporting our customers as they train the next generation of military pilots.” The work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas.