2003-2020
1986-2002
1969-1985
1952-1968
1935-1951
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Ready to Revolutionize U.S. Army Aviation, Again
CATEGORY 1
2020
First Name Last Name | Fort Worth, TX
In March of 2020, Bell was down-selected to continue in the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. The FLRAA, or V-280 Valor program, announcement solidified Bell’s place in the next phase of the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program and created an important milestone in the history of Bell and Army aviation. This next phase is considered the competitive demonstration and risk reduction (CD&RR) effort. Under the agreement, Bell will deliver a refined V-280 Valor design, with supporting technical documentation, that builds on the data captured during the more than two years and 170 hours of flight testing under the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstration (JMR TD) program to inform the FLRAA program of record.
Stealing the Show at CES 2019
2019
Bell Unveils Full-Scale Design of Air Taxi at CES 2019. Bell revealed the configuration and full-scale vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) air taxi vehicle today during CES 2019. The air taxi, named Bell Nexus, is powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system and features Bell’s signature powered lift concept incorporating six tilting ducted fans that are designed to safely and efficiently redefine air travel. Bell Nexus means the nexus of transport and technology and of comfort and convenience. Nexus captures the long-sought-after vision of quick air travel with a unique in-flight experience, keeping passengers connected to their lives and saving valuable time.
02
V-22 Osprey Marks Three Decades of Transforming Military Aviation
During the thirty years since the V-22 Osprey first flew, the tiltrotor aircraft, built by Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA], has fundamentally changed how the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force operate in combat and support humanitarian operations. The V-22 has become one of the most in-demand and reliable aircraft in military service with its unique vertical maneuverability combined with the speed, range and fuel efficiency of a fixed-wing airplane. More than 375 V-22 aircraft have accumulated more than 450,000 flight hours across a spectrum of missions. Soon, the U.S. Navy will begin using a new V-22 variant to deliver personnel and cargo to its aircraft carriers, becoming the latest operator leveraging the aircraft’s unique capabilities.
03
First Flight: Autonomous Pod Transport
Bell Autonomous Pod Transport 70 Achieves First Autonomous Flight. Later that same year, Bell Autonomous Pod Transport 70 Wins Popular Science “Best of What’s New in Aerospace” Award.
04
First Flight: Bell Boeing CMV-22
Bell Boeing CMV-22B Osprey Successfully Completes First Flight at the Bell Amarillo Assembly Center in Amarillo, TX.
05
Celebrating 20 Years in Amarillo
Bell's Amarillo Assembly Center celebrates a memorable 20 years.
06
Taking On the Short Light Single Market
2018
Bell Completes 100th Delivery of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
07
A New Era for Bell
On February 22, 2018, Bell Helicopter launches a new brand, removing "helicopter" from its name and positioning itself as a technology company designing the future of vertical lift.
08
a new era for bell
A Day In the Office
Employees working together to redefine the future of flight
09
Remembering Those We've Lost
2017
Bell dedicates a Memorial Garden at its Headquarters in Hurst, TX in memory of Bell Helicopter aircrew whose sacrifice shall never be forgotten.
10
First Flight: Bell V-280 Valor
First Flight of Bell's V-280 Valor, Bell's demonstrator for the U.S. Army's JMR-TD, occurs on December 18, 2017.
11
Pilots Earn Wright Brothers Award
2016
Retired Bell Helicopter pilots, Dwayne Williams and Wayne Brown, are awarded the prestigious FAA's "Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award."
12
Bell Opens New Office in Europe
Bell Helicopter opens a new paint facility and delivery center in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, expanding capabilities across Europe.
13
New Customer Support and Service Benefits
Bell's Customer Support and Service team launches the "Customer Advantage Plan" to provide operators with extended warranty programs. In its launch year, more than sixty aircraft signed up for CAP.
14
Growing Our Presence in the UAE
2015
A joint regional office is opened by Bell Helicopter and Textron in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The new facility serves as a hub to facilitate sales and marketing efforts for Bell Helicopter in the region.
15
First Flight: Bell 525 Relentless
Bell 525 Relentless, the first fly-by-wire commercial helicopter, successfully achieves its first flight. Flight Test Vehicle 2 completes its first flight later in that year.
16
Bell 407 Upgraded to GXP
An upgraded Bell 407GXP, featuring an additional 50 lbs of payload capability and the new Rolls-Royce M250 engine that improves performance and fuel efficiency, is introduced. The aircraft is also equipped with new avionics features, including an improved hover performance calculator. That same year, Bell Helicopter and Air Methods Corporation sign an agreement for 200 Bell 407 GXPs, marking one of the largest commercial sales in Bell Helicopter's history.
17
Thrilling our Training Customers
2014
Ground is broken on Bell Helicopter's new state-of-the-art training academy on the campus of its headquarters in Fort Worth, TX.
18
Unveiling of a New Jet Ranger
Formerly known as the Short Light Single, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is introduced during Helicopter Association International(HAI) Heli-Expo in Anaheim, CA. Later that year, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X completes its first flight.
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Bell Unveils Next Generation of U.S. Army Aircraft
2013
Bell Helicopter introduces the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor mock-up at the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Show.
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Moving to Shanghai
2012
Bell Helicopter opens office in Shanghai, China, expanding support to customers in the rapidly growing Chinese market. The company signs purchase agreements for 15 aircraft at Airshow China a month after opening.
21
Bell Expands in Asia-Pacific
2011
Bell Helicopter and Cessna Aircraft Company break ground on a new service facility in Singapore. As a replacement for the Bell Helicopter Supply Center, this operation is planned to strengthen Bell Helicopter's Asia-Pacific sales presence and add Cessna parts distribution and maintenance to the region.
22
Bell Branches Out to Mexico
2008
Textron announces plans to build a new manufacturing plant in Mexico through an agreement with the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The plant manufactures various minor assemblies, structural elements and wire bundles for the Bell 429.
23
Bell Boeing V-22s Deployed into Combat Zone
2007
General James Conway, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, announces the deployment of a squadron of Bell Boeing V-22s into a combat zone (Iraq) for the first time.
24
First Flight: Bell 429
The Bell 429 makes its first flight at the Bell Helicopter Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, facility. It receives FAA certification in 2009.
25
first flight: Bell 429
first flight: Bell 210
2004
The Bell 210 completes its first flight at the Bell Helicopter subsidiary Edwards & Associates in Bristol, TN. The Bell 210 received its FAA certification in 2005.
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First Flight: Bell 210
First Flight: BA609
2003
The BA609 civil tiltrotor makes its first flight at Bell Helicopter's Flight Research Center in Arlington, TX, with test pilots Roy Hopkins and Dwayne Williams.
first flight: BA609
Adding Onto Bell's Military Aircraft Legacy
2002
Upgrades are ordered for 100 Bell UH-1Ns and 180 AH-1Ws by the U.S. Marine Corps. The upgrade versions will be known as Bell UH-1Y "Yankee/Venom" and AH-1Z "Zulu/Viper".
First Flight: Bell 407
1995
The Bell 407 makes its first flight in Arlington, TX.
First Flight: Bell 412EP
1994
The Bell 412EP, with a PT6T-3D powerplant and redundant flight systems, successfully completes first flight
The First Female Attack Pilot
1993
The U.S. Army qualifies CW5 Mary Cara Smalley, the first female attack helicopter pilot, in a Bell AH-1F.
Aircraft Unveiling of Bell 430
Bell Helicopter announces the Bell 430 at the U.S. Helicopter Association's Heli-Expo.
Canada Purchases 100 Bell 412s
1992
The Canadian Ministry of National Defense announces the purchase of 100 Bell 412s for its Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter program to replace existing mixed fleet of aircraft.
100th AH-1W Delivery
1991
The 100th Bell AH-1W SuperCobra is delivered.
First Flight: Bell OH-58D
The Bell OH-58D takes its first flight.
Bell Earns Collier Trophy For V-22
The Bell Boeing V-22 completes Phase One Shipboard Compatability trials. That same year, the Collier Trophy, recognizing the greatest achievements for aeronautics or astronautics in America, is awarded to Bell Boeing for the V-22.
Showing Off Innovation
1990
The Bell XV-15 demonstrator performs at the front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
First Flight: Bell Boeing V-22
1989
The Bell Boeing V-22 makes its first flight at Bell Helicopter's Arlington, TX Flight Test Facility. The crew consists of pilot Dorman Cannon and co-pilot Dick Balzer. The Bell Boeing V-22 accomplishes a full conversion from helicopter mode to airplaine mode while in flight. That same year, Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney submits the 1990 defense budget that includes the termination of the Bell Boeing V-22 program but due to the success of the Bell Boeing V-22 flight test program, the U.S. Congress approves $225 million in research and development to fund the program.
First Time a New System is Used for Bell AH-1W
Bell Helicopter flies its 680 all-composite, four-blade, baring-less rotor system for the first time on a Bell AH-1W. The second-generation 680 rotor, being flight tested on a Bell 222, meets or exceeds design goals set by the Light Helicopter Experiment (LHX) team of Bell Helicopter and McDonnell Douglas.
Bell Moves to Canada
1986
Transfer of the Bell 206B JetRanger production line to the Mirabel facility is completed. After the successful completion of its first contract for the production of 100 tailbooms destined for the Huey helicopter, Bell Helicopter selected a site in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada to produce the 206B Jet Ranger. From then on, Bell Helictoper Textron Canada Limited (BHTCL) has been known as Bell's commercial division. Bell Helicopter Canada Ltd. makes the first delivery of a Bell 206B JetRanger III assembled at Mirabel to Turbo West of Broomfield, CO.
Bell OH-58D Delivery
The U.S. Army Aviation Center, Ft. Rucker, AL, takes delivery of the first production Bell OH-58D Advanced Scout.
U.S. Marines Receive Bell AH-1W
Delivery of the first production Bell AH-1W SuperCobra is made to the U.S. Marine Corps.
A New Revolutionary Military Program
1985
JVX is now known as the Bell Boeing V-22 program. Bell Boeing begins full-scale development, without a formal contract, using in-house funding. For the U.S. Department of Defense Joint-service Vertical take-off/landing Experimental (JVX) aircraft program, Bell Helicopter and Boeing Vertol teamed to submit a bid for an enlarged version of the XV-15 in 1983.
Around the World in a Bell 206
1982
On On September 1, 1982, Ross Perot Jr. and his co-pilot Jay Colburn departed from Fort Worth in their Bell 206L-1 LongRanger, the Spirit of Texas, on a mission to be the first person(s) to circumnavigate the globe in a helicopter. Their adventures lasted almost a month long, making stops all over the world including London, England, Naples Italy, Marseilles, France, Calcutta, India, Cairo, Egypt, Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Billings, Montana. They landed in Fort Worth on September 30, completing their voyage in just 29 days, 3 hours and 8 minutes. The trip took a total of 246.5 flight hours at an average ground speed of 117 mph and they flew a total of 26,000 miles.
Bell XV-15 Achieves New Record
1980
The Bell XV-15 exceeds an unofficial world speed record for rotorcraft by achieving a true speed of 301 knots (346 mph). The flight was made at Bell Helicopter's Flight Research Center at the Arlington, TX airport.
a day in the office
Bell in the 1980s.
First Flight: Bell XV-15
1977
On May 3, 1977, Bell's XV-15 tilt-rotor aircraft (shown here in a 1990 exhibition in Washington D.C.) makes its first hover flight at the Bell Arlington Flight Research Center.
First Flight: Bell 214A
1974
The Bell 214A developed in partnership with Iran for offshore use makes its first flight.
Bell Hueys Move and Save Warfighters in Vietnam
1972
Lightly-wounded civilians and troops attempt to push their way aboard a South Vietnamese evacuation helicopter hovering over a stretch of Highway 13 near An Loc in Vietnam on June 25, 1972. (AP Photo)
U.S. Air Force Delivery
1970
The U.S. Air Force formally accepts its first Bell UH-1N Twin Huey at Eglin AFB, FL.
Continuing to Revolutionize U.S. Army Aviation
The U.S. Army awards a contract for 170 additional Bell AH-1s with an initial funding of $5 million
Bell in the 1970s.
Bell 206 In Action
Bell 206 used for Rescue Mission.
Bell 206 used for Rescue Mission
U.S. Navy Receives Bell Aircraft
1969
The U.S. Navy accepts its first Bell UH-1L utility helicopter from Bell Helicopter for deployment to the Pacific Fleet.
U.S. Army Receives More Bell Aircraft
1967
The first production Bell AH-1G is delivered to the U.S. Army.
Serving Bell's First Municipality
The Los Angeles County Fire Department becomes the first municipality to purchase a Bell 204B.
The First Bell 206 Customer
First two Bell 206A JetRanger deliveries take place during the Helicopter Association of American (HAA) convention. The first is purchased by Harry Holly of Hollymatic Corp. in Park Forest, IL, and the second by the National Helicopter Service & Engineering Co. of Van Nuys, CA.
Performing at the Super Bowl
Jan. 15, 1967: The Bell Rocket Air Men (Bob Courter and Bill Suitor) perform as part of the halftime show at first Super Bowl game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum between Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. Photo by Ben Olender/LATBell Historical
First Flight: Bell X-22
Over 4,000 employees and officials witness the X-22A's first successful public flight. The Bell X-22A Ducted Fan aircraft images that were shot in Buffalo NY. The X-22 First flight occurred in 1967 and flew through 1988. The V-22A VTOL was the last aircraft build in Niagara Falls, NY.
More Aircraft for the U.S. Military
1966
A $249,457,443 contract is received for 2,115 Bell UH-1 Iroquis, the largest contract in Bell to date.
The Beginning of a Commercial Legacy
Rollout of the first Bell 206 JetRanger takes place at the Hurst, TX facility. The flight test program is initiated with the first flight occuring on the same day. Successfully derived from the prior YOH-4 "Ugly Duckling", with a stylistic redesign accredited to Dwayne Jose, VP of Marketing, the Bell 206 becomes the most successful commercial helicopter in history.
First Flight: Bell AH-1 Cobra
1965
Known as the HueyCobra or Snake, the Bell AH-1 Cobra makes its first flight.
First Flight: Bell UH-1D
The twin-turbine powered Bell UH-1D is developed and takes first flight.
Keeping Bell Safe
Bell Helicopter Fire Rescue Team poses for picture in Hurst, TX.
Keeping Bell safe
Serving Warfighters with More Hueys
1964
Bell Helicopter receives an order for 720 Bell UH-1s. This $100 million order is the largest Bell UH-1 order to date.
Going to the Moon
Bell Aerosystems began ground testing the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) at NASA's Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA
going to the moon
Building Training Aircraft
A $5,762,850 contract is awarded for 103 Bell 47G-3B-1s, modified to trainer configuration, for the U.S. Army.
First Flight: Bell 47G-2A-1 "Wing Ding"
1963
The modified Bell 47G-2A-1, nicknamed "Wing Ding," flies for the first time.
First Flight: Bell YOH-4 "Ugly Duckling"
1962
The Bell YOH-4 prototype, nicknamed "Ugly Duckling" makes its first flight.
1960
Bell Helicopter Security Team poses for a picture in the 1960s.
Bell Helicopter Security Team poses for a picture in the 1960s
First Flight: Bell "Rocket Belt"
Bell Aerospace Corporation announces it has built and demonstrated the "Rocket Belt" for mankind's first free flight. Invented by Wendell Moore, this Rocket Belt, or jet pack, and first flew in 1960. In 1964, the Bell Rocket Belt performs 396 flights throughout the year before an estimated 1.8 million spectators, including flights at the New York World's Fair.
Bell Aerospace Corporation announces it has built and demonstrated the "Rocket Belt" for mankind's first free flight. Invented by Wendell Moore, this Rocket Belt, or jet pack, and first flew in 1960 In 1964, the Bell Rocket Belt performs 396 flights throughout the year before an estimated 1.8 million spectators, including flights at the New York World's Fair.
Tilting at the Rotors for the First Time
1958
History is made as the Bell XV-3 convertiplane completes the first 100% conversion of a tilting prop-rotor aircraft, marking a new vertical lift innovation.
A Presidential Flight
1957
U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower rides in a Bell Model H-13J from the White House lawn to a command post as part of a civil defense exercise.
First Flight: Bell Model 47J Ranger
Bell conducts first flight of the Bell Model 47J Ranger. Priced at $63,750, the Ranger has a widened cabin, a new tailrotor sytem and is powered by a 220 hp Lycoming VO-435-A1B engine.
X-14 Test Flights Complete
Bell Aircraft successfully completes the initial flight test phase of the X-14 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) airplane.
A New Division of Bell Aircraft
Bell Helicopter Corporation is founded as a wholly-owned subsidary of Bell Aircraft Corporation.
Honoring our Founder
1956
Lawrence "Larry" D. Bell, founder of Bell Aircraft Corporation and Bell Helicopter, passes away at the age of 62. "Show me a man who cannot bother to do little things, and I'll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things." Lawrence D. Bell
First Flight: XV-3 Convertiplane
1955
Breaking ground on a new aircraft, Bell conducts first flight of XV-3 convertiplane.
First Flight: Bell Model XH-13F
1953
The Bell Model XH-13F turbine helicopter makes its first flight.
First Flight: Bell Model 61 HSL-1
Bell conducts first flight of Model 61 HSL-1, Bell's only tandem-rotor helicopter and the ship that brought Bell to Texas.
Bell Has a New Leader
1951
Harvey Gaylord becomes the first president of the company, following the retirement of Larry Bell.
Bell Helicopter Hover Bike
1950
Bell Helicopter demonstrates their hover bike.
Chief Test Pilot Floyd Carlson Flies Bell XV-3
With Floyd Carlson at the controls, the Bell XV-3 - the first tiltrotor - demonstrates its hovering abilities at the Hurst, TX facility.
Bell 47 In Korean War
In the 1950s, U.S. troops flew Bell Model 47 during the Korean War
Bell Aircraft Corp. Moves to Texas
Bell Aircraft Corporation selects a 55-acre site in Hurst, TX as home to its helicopter division. Plant 1 began construction in 1950 and opened its doors in 1951. The drive between Dallas and Fort Worth was primarily farmland when Larry Bell, founder of Bell Aircraft, selected Fort Worth as home for the helicopter division. Bell picked Fort Worth over sites in Massachusetts and California. He liked the abundance of empty fields, proximity to the railroad and the idea of the facility as a “landmark” between Dallas and Fort Worth - connecting the two cities. The moderate weather was another benefit.
Bell Awarded Collier Trophy
1948
John Stack, President Truman, Captain Charles "Chuck" Yeager and Lawrence D. Bell at the Bell Aircraft Collier Trophy presentation on December 17, 1948.
First Flight: Bell Model 54
First flight of the Bell Model 54, as H-15/R-15, occurs. The Model 54 is a conventional four-seat helicopter with a wheeled, fixed-tricycle landing gear, and is powered by a single 275 hp Continental XO-470-5 piston engine, located in the rear cabin, which drives a singer two-bladed rotor.
Breaking the Sound Barrier with the Bell X-1
1947
On October 14, 1947, U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles "Chuck" Yeager, reached Mach 1.06 (700mph) at an altitude of 43,000 feet in the Bell XS-1, aircraft number 1 (later designated as the Bell X-1). This milestone was achieved on the 50th flight of the XS-1. Larry Bell, Chuck Yeager and engineer John Stack win the Collier Award for their pioneering design of the Bell X-1 and being the first to break the sound barrier.
First Helicopter Airmail Service Ceremony
The inaugural ceremony of the first helicopter airmail service, which includes experimental flights by the Bell Aircraft B-47, occurs in New York City area. Over 100,000 letters are carried by the helicopter service on the first day of operation alone.
Bell 47 Earns World's First Commercial License
1946
Bell’s Model 47 is awarded the world’s first commercial license.
Bell Announces X-5 Aircraft
1944
The first flight of the "jet-propelled, variable-sweep-wing: Bell X-5 is announced.
Bell Facility at Wheatfield, NY
Bell Aircraft Corporation's New Plant at Wheatfield, NY
1941
First Pilot Graduating Class
1940
In the 1940s, Bell Helicopter graduates its first pilot class 1F from Bell Aircraft Training Academy.
Bell Facility at Gardenville, NY
Formerly a Chrysler dealership, the Gardenville, NY facility becomes home to the Bell Model 30 and 47.
Bell 30 Model - Bell's First Helicopter
1939
Arthur Young oversees an early engine run of the Bell Model 30, Bell's first helicopter.
Bell 30 Model Bell's First Helicopter
XFM-1 Airacuda Bell's First Military Aircraft
1936
In 1936, Bell Aircraft Corporation is awarded a contract to build the XFM-1 Airacuda - the first military aircraft produced by the company.
XFM-1 Airacuda - Bell's First Military Aircraft
Lawrence D. Bell Starts Bell Aircraft Corp.
1935
Lawrence D. Bell (April 5, 1894 - October 20, 1956) devoted 40 years to the aircraft industry. From a barefoot boy in Mentone, Indiana, the town of birth, he became chairman of the board of one of the nation's foremost aircraft firms, Bell Aircraft Corporation. This firm produced such significant aviation contributions as the nation's first jet powered airplane, the world's first commercial helicopter, the world's highest flying airplane, the Bell X-1A, and the first jet vertical take-off and landing plane. After leaving Consolidated Aircraft in 1935, Lawrence D. Bell makse the decision to start his own company. Larry Bell founds Bell Aircraft Corporation with 56 employees.
Lawrence D. Bell (April 5, 1894 - October 20, 1956) devoted 40 years to the aircraft industry. From a barefoot boy in Mentone, Indiana, the town of birth, he became chairman of the board of one of the nation's foremost aircraft firms, Bell Aircraft Corporation. This firm produced such significant aviation contributions as the nation's first jet powered airplane, the world's first commercial helicopter, the world's highest flying airplane, the Bell X-1A, and the first jet vertical take-off and landing plane. After leaving Consolidated Aircraft in 1935, Lawrence D. Bell makes the decision to start his own company. Larry Bell founds Bell Aircraft Corporation with 56 employees.
HEADLINE FOR ARTIFACT 01 GOES HERE
## Month 2020
Here is the backstory - After Meeting Arthur Young, in the late 80's when we set the hover record in a Bell 47B model, I sent him two photos and asked him to sign them and tell me who all the folks where. He was more than generous with his time and these are the two I got back back with his hand drawn replicas of the photos to provide the insights. Sorry this is not real clear as it's a photo of a framed photo. In the one flying, one of the gentleman was prison warden who wanted to see a helicopter in real life, he was thinking about how they could be used to help prisoners escape from prison - just classic!!
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