Safran Electrical & Power, a world leader in aircraft electrical systems, announced today 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.
“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. We are pleased to have Safran Electrical & Power on the team to offer their innovative solution for FLRAA’s starter-generator system,” said Ryan Ehinger, Senior Vice President and Program Director for FLRAA, Bell.
The Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program was initiated by the United States Army in 2019 to develop a successor to the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter as part of the Future Vertical Lift program. 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. On December 5, 2022, the Army selected the Bell Textron V-280 Valor powered by Rolls-Royce engines for the FLRAA contract award. The award was protested by the Sikorsky-Boeing team, however the Government Accountability Office denied the protest.
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 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. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Bell Textron Inc. is an American aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. A subsidiary of Textron, Bell manufactures military rotorcraft at facilities in Fort Worth, and Amarillo, Texas, United States as well as commercial helicopters in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – the company have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of workforce having served, helping military achieve their missions. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.
