Bell Textron Announces New Facility for U.S. Army Future Long Range Assault Aircraft Production

Bell Textron Inc. has selected a site in Fort Worth, Texas, for the production of the U.S. Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).

The new 447,000 sq. ft. facility will focus on the manufacturing of FLRAA components, with modifications and equipment installation planned to achieve readiness for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) by 2028.

The FLRAA program, part of a $1.3 billion contract awarded to Bell in December 2022, aims to replace the Army’s UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with a next-generation vertical lift solution. Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft is expected to provide increased speed, range, and payload capacity, with a top speed of 280 knots and a range of over 500 nautical miles. The V-280 will be able to carry 14 troops or 10,000 pounds of cargo, making it a key asset for air assault, medical evacuation, and logistics support missions.

The V-280 is scheduled to take its first flight in 2026, with the initial operational fielding planned for 2030.