Safran Electrical & Power Partners with Bell Textron for U.S. Army’s FLRAA Program Starter-Generation Systems

Safran Electrical & Power Partners with Bell Textron for U.S. Army’s FLRAA Program Starter-Generation Systems

(IN BRIEF) Safran Electrical & Power has secured a significant agreement with Bell Textron Inc. to supply high-voltage starter-generation systems for the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. This cutting-edge system, designed to meet the evolving electrical demands of military aircraft, will undergo development and qualification at Safran’s centers of excellence in Twinsburg, Ohio, and Sarasota, Florida. Bell’s FLRAA, a tiltrotor configuration combining helicopter versatility with twin turboprop aircraft capabilities, aims to replace the Army’s UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. The partnership underscores Safran’s expertise in aircraft electrical systems and solidifies its position as an industry leader in military aviation technology, enhancing the performance and reliability of future vertical lift solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 22-May-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Safran Electrical & Power, a world leader in aircraft electrical systems, announced that they have signed an agreement with Bell Textron Inc. to provide the starter-generation systems for the U.S. Army’s new Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program.

Safran will supply an advanced high-voltage starter-generator system, capable of producing the power to meet the evolving electrical needs of military aircraft. This system will feature a high-speed rotor and advanced power electronics providing excellent control and reliability. The design, development and qualification will take place at the Safran Electrical & Power centers of excellence located in Twinsburg, Ohio, and Sarasota, Florida.

The FLRAA weapons system being developed by Bell will be the next generation vertical lift solution intended to replace the Army’s UH-60 Blackhawk utility helicopters. The FLRAA configuration is a tiltrotor with the hybrid capability of a helicopter for vertical take-off and landing, plus the range and speed of a twin turboprop aircraft.

“We are thrilled that Bell has selected our high voltage starter-generator as a single source to equip their innovative FLRAA platform. This new agreement is a mark of confidence and strengthens decades of relationship with Bell on both commercial and military helicopters,” said Joshua Haury, General Manager of Twinsburg plant, Safran Electrical & Power. “Such high-voltage starter-generation system will become an industry standard for future military programs.,” added Bruno Bellanger, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Power division, Safran Electrical & Power.

“Bell is committed to delivering performance, reliability, and affordability for our warfighters as we work alongside the Army to modernize its fleet,” said Ryan Ehinger, Senior Vice President and Program Director for FLRAA, Bell. “We are pleased to have Safran Electrical & Power on the team to offer their innovative solution for FLRAA’s starter-generator system.”

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92,000 employees and sales of 23,2 billion euros in 2023 and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and innovation roadmap.

Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Electrical & Power is one of the world’s leaders in aircraft electrical systems. The company is a key player in the equipment electrification and in the electric and hybrid propulsion sector. It has 13,000 employees across 13 different countries.

Bell Textron Inc.

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.

We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.

Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

Media Contacts:

Mélodie Susini
Safran Electrical & Power
+33 6 42 81 99 04
melodie.susini@safrangroup.com

Tillman Jasmine
Bell
+1 703-271-4918
Jtillman01@bellflight.com

SOURCE: Safran