Eaton to provide Bell V-280 Valor™ hydraulics system

Fort Worth, Texas (May 5, 2014) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announces today that power management company, Eaton (NYSE: ETN) will be providing the hydraulic system for the Bell V-280 Valor™ .

John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter, says: “We are pleased Eaton is making the strategic decision to join our growing team of aerospace leaders and help develop our third generation tiltrotor, the Bell V-280. Eaton is teaming with Bell to provide a complete hydraulic system for the V-280. Team Valor continues to align interests and resources on this clean sheet design, together delivering technology and innovation that reduces cost, weight and complexity in order to make the next generation of tiltrotor technology more affordable.”

Eaton’s contributions will include system design and analysis, component modification and qualification, and flight-testing support. Eaton’s highly reliable products and proven technologies for the V-280 hydraulic system support power generation, fluid control and fluid distribution, and includes engine driven pumps, reservoirs, fuses, hoses, quick disconnects, tubing and the main engine starting subsystem.

Uday Yadav, president of Eaton’s Aerospace Group, says: “Eaton’s selection as the V-280 hydraulic system supplier is based on our extensive track record of providing reliable, cost-effective solutions for next-generation aircraft. Our expertise in hydraulic system design, development and integration will help Bell Helicopter and Team Valor produce a revolutionary aircraft that strengthens the U.S. Army’s operational capabilities.”

The transformational features of Bell Helicopter’s third generation tiltrotor technologies within the Joint Multi Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) reduce risk and inform the requirements for the Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program.  The V-280 is designed to feature increased maintainability and component and systems reliability, while providing twice the speed and range of the U.S. Army’s current fleet. The Bell V-280 Valor will offer commanders a combat maneuver platform with the unmatched operational agility and effectiveness to self-deploy and perform multiple vertical lift missions.

Team Valor is a group comprised of leading aerospace companies bringing the best engineering resources, industrial capabilities and critical thinking to meet the U.S. Army’s needs.