Bell to Build Flight Training Devices for Czech Republic

Bell Textron has signed a contract with the U.S. Government to build the AH-1Z Flight Training Device for the Czech Republic’s new helicopter fleet.

The delivery of training devices will play a key role integrating new H-1 helicopters into the Czech Air Force, the company said in a statement today. The Flight Training Device (FTD) will be used for simulation and training purposes for prospective pilots of the combined AH-1Z and UH-1Y fleet. The delivery of the training device by Bell ensures the continuous presence of Bell’s expertise throughout the Czech Air Force’s helicopter modernization program.

Bell selected FlightSafety International and VR Group as key subcontractors. FlightSafety International will manufacture and support flight simulators, visual systems and displays, will provide hardware and software products for simulation training, including the visual display system and control loading system.

VR Group, a Czech company, will provide some of the moving models for the visual database system for the Czech H-1 FTD. VR Group will also be responsible for maintenance and support for the device after delivery.

Production for the Czech Republic’s new H-1 helicopter fleet is proceeding on schedule, with Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center recently receiving the first UH-1Y cabin for the Czech fleet. Bell anticipates that production and delivery of the Czech Republic’s new AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft will be complete by 2023.