US military awards Bell contract for next-generation helicopter By Reuters
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. military on Monday awarded the contract for its next-generation helicopter to textron inc. (NYSE:)’s Bell Unit, ending a years-long competition for the technology that will replace the Black Hawk utility helicopter.
The Army’s “Future Vertical Lift” contest aims to find a replacement as the Army seeks to retire more than 2,000 medium-class UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters built by Sikorsky since the 1970s.
“The thoughtful and disciplined execution of the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program strategy will provide the transformative capabilities we need to sustain joint force, enhance deterrence and win in multi-domain operations,” said Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology.
Textron shares rose about 8.5% in trading after the news bell.
