Safran Electrical & Power Collaborates with Bell Textron for U.S. Army's FLRAA Program

Safran Electrical & Power partners with Bell Textron to supply advanced starter-generator systems for the U.S. Army's FLRAA program, enhancing the next-generation vertical lift solution.

Safran Electrical & Power has signed an agreement with Bell Textron Inc. to provide advanced starter-generation systems for the U.S. Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. The FLRAA program aims to replace the aging UH-60 Blackhawk utility helicopters with a next-generation vertical lift solution.

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

The FLRAA, being developed by Bell, is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the range and speed of a twin turboprop aircraft. This innovative configuration is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the U.S. Army.

"We are thrilled that Bell has selected our high-voltage starter-generator to equip their innovative FLRAA platform," said Joshua Haury, General Manager of the Twinsburg plant at Safran Electrical & Power. "This agreement marks a significant milestone in our long-standing relationship with Bell on both commercial and military helicopters."

Bruno Bellanger, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Power division at Safran Electrical & Power, added, "The high-voltage starter-generation system will set a new industry standard for future military programs."

Ryan Ehinger, Senior Vice President and Program Director for FLRAA at Bell, expressed his confidence in Safran's technology, stating, "Bell is committed to delivering performance, reliability, and affordability for our warfighters. We are pleased to have Safran Electrical & Power on our team to provide their innovative solution for the FLRAA's starter-generator system."

The FLRAA program is a critical component of the U.S. Army's modernization efforts, aiming to enhance the capabilities and performance of its aviation fleet. The collaboration between Safran and Bell highlights the importance of advanced electrical systems in achieving these goals.