Bell Announces Weapon Systems Integration Lab
Opening of Latest SIL to support continued flight technology advancement
Arlington, TX (March 11, 2024) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the Grand Opening of its Weapon System’s Integration Lab (WSIL) in Arlington, TX. The state-of-the-art facility will aid in in the safe, rapid, and efficient integration and test of a next generation fly-by-wire tiltrotor and mission systems using a modular open systems approach (MOSA) for the United States Army’s Future Long- Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).
As part of our commitment to deliver the U.S. Army’s FLRAA capability to our nation’s warfighters, Bell is pleased to announce the opening of its latest systems integration lab,” said Ryan Ehinger, Bell’s Senior Vice President and Program Director, FLRAA program. “This dedicated SIL supports the application, verification and validation of Bell’s innovative digital engineering approach and open architecture, playing a critical role in delivering outstanding operational performance and versatility to the U.S. Army.”
“We are grateful for our partnership with Bell, who has made Arlington the home of its Flight Research Center for nearly six decades now. The Arlington Economic Development Corporation’s recent strategic investment shows our city’s continued commitment to supporting innovation right here in our backyard,” Mayor Jim Ross said.
In 2021, Bell began construction of a new 47,000 sq. ft. facility to house future development programs at its Flight Research Facility in Arlington, TX. The FLRAA WSIL is Bell’s fifth generation System Integration Lab located at its Flight Research Center. This latest SIL facility supports end-to-end integration of our fly-by-wire systems with state-of-the-art Avionics, Electrical, Hydraulic, Flight Controls, and Mission and Sensor Systems for multiple current and future programs, manned and unmanned.
Bell and the City of Arlington have a history spanning over 55 years. Beginning in 1967, the City of Arlington has played a major role in supporting the innovation of flight-testing for new programs at Bell’s Flight Research Center.
Pictured: (from left to right): Nikkie Hunter, Arlington City Council Member, Michael Jacobson, President and CEO, Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce; State Representative Chris Turner; COL Jeffrey Poquette, Program Manager, FLRAA; Lisa Atherton, President and CEO, Bell; Mayor Jim Ross, City of Arlington; Trey Yelverton, Arlington City Manager; Ryan Ehinger, SVP & Program Director, FLRAA, Bell