Update: Dec. 6
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — US Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas-District 13 commented on the recent decision by the US Army surrounding Bell Textron. Jackson’s office provided MyHighPlains.com the following statement:
“The Army has made a fantastic decision in selecting Bell’s V-280 Valor as its next-generation assault aircraft. The workforce in Amarillo is well equipped to deliver on this contract, which will, in turn, position our service members for success in a future conflict. As a veteran combat physician and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know how important the Army’s Future Vertical Lift efforts are. Bell has had my absolute support throughout every phase of this competitive process. They will continue to have my full support as I work to make sure our district remains at the forefront of America’s national security enterprise and that we deliver these aircraft to the force as rapidly as we possibly can.”
US Rep. Ronny Jackson
According to the release from Jackson, this is the Army’s largest vertical lift contract award in 40 years and could eventually be worth over $70 billion. It also said that every new aircraft will come through Bell’s Military Aircraft Assembly & Delivery Center in Amarillo.
Kevin Carter, the president and CEO of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, said this is a historic deal for both Bell and Amarillo.
“I think the complete build out, if they build out the whole thing, is like anywhere from 30 to 50 years,” said Carter. “What an enormous victory for the Bell team and also just, it’s an incredible win for Amarillo to be able to say that. I mean, it really does secure Bell’s future here in Amarillo.”
Update: Dec. 6
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KAMR/KCIT) — The office of US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) released a statement praising the Army’s decision to give Bell Textron a contract to replace the Black Hawk utility helicopter with a new assault helicopter.
The statements from Cruz reads:
The Army’s decision to give Bell Textron the contract to build the next generation assault helicopter is a clear recognition of Bell’s quality craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology production. Bell Textron Inc. is a premier aerospace manufacturer providing 5,500 good jobs to Texans and great military equipment to the U.S. Armed Forces. Over the years I’ve consistently and vociferously called on the Department of Defense to incorporate the cutting-edge work and weaponry that Bell provides into our nation’s defense capabilities, including most recently championing the Future Vertical Lift program in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, and for such technologies to be incorporated into the Coast Guard’s capabilities in the bi-annual Coast Guard Authorization Act passed by the Commerce Committee. No state has given more to protect our country than Texas, and I’m so proud that Texans will build the next generation of helicopter to dominate our enemies on the field of battle.
US Senator Ted Cruz
Original
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — According to a news release from Textron Inc., Bell Textron was awarded a development contract for the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program.
According to the news release, this contract was awarded based on Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor that was developed and tested by Bell Helicopter in Amarillo.
“This is an exciting time for the U.S. Army, Bell, and Team Valor as we modernize the Army’s aviation capabilities for decades to come,” said Mitch Snyder, president and CEO of Bell.
The V-280 Valor is designed to be smaller and more agile than the similar V-22 said officials.
