Bell Unveils Cutting-Edge Lab for Weapon Systems Integration
Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), has announced the Grand Opening of its Weapon System Integration Laboratory (WSIL) in Arlington, TX. This cutting-edge facility will facilitate the safe, swift, and effective integration and examination of next-generation fly-by-wire tiltrotor and mission systems utilizing a modular open systems approach (MOSA) for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).
“As part of our dedication to deliver the U.S. Army’s FLRAA capability to our nation’s fierce defenders, we at Bell are excited to proclaim the inauguration of our latest systems integration lab,” mentioned Ryan Ehinger, Senior Vice President and Program Director of the FLRAA initiative at Bell. “This specialized SIL underscores the application, confirmation, and validation of Bell’s pioneering digital engineering practices and open architecture, playing an essential role in providing exceptional operational efficiency and adaptability to the U.S. Army.”
“We appreciate our collaboration with Bell, which has established Arlington as the base of its Flight Research Center for nearly sixty years. The recent strategic investment from the Arlington Economic Development Corporation illustrates our city’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation right here in our community,” stated Mayor Jim Ross.
In 2021, Bell initiated the construction of a new 47,000 sq. ft. facility to accommodate forthcoming development initiatives at its Flight Research Facility in Arlington, TX. The FLRAA WSIL is Bell’s fifth-generation System Integration Lab situated at its Flight Research Center. This newest SIL facility endorses the comprehensive integration of our fly-by-wire systems with state-of-the-art Avionics, Electrical, Hydraulic, Flight Controls, and Mission and Sensor Systems for various existing and future programs, both manned and unmanned.
Bell and the City of Arlington share a rich history that extends over 55 years. Since 1967, Arlington has significantly contributed to supporting the advancement of flight-testing for new initiatives at Bell’s Flight Research Center.
