TITLE: Congratulating Bell flight company on winning the U.S. Army contract to manufacture the V-280 Valor tiltrotor for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Bell flight company on winning the U.S. Army contract to manufacture the V-280 Valor tiltrotor for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Bell flight company won the U.S. Army contract to manufacture the V-280 Valor tiltrotor for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program; and WHEREAS, A subsidiary of Textron Inc., Bell has developed and manufactured aircraft for more than 85 years; headquartered in Fort Worth, the firm serves countries around the globe; and WHEREAS, Bell began developing and testing the V-280 Valor tiltrotor as part of the Pentagon's Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator program in 2013; the aircraft features a number of innovative technologies, including mission equipment designed for challenging visual environments, an updated tactical common data link, and onboard sensors; in addition, it boasts exceptional range capabilities and strategic lift deployment options as well as improved flight performance and lifecycle sustainability; and WHEREAS, The V-280 Valor was designed for long-range assault, utility, medical evacuation, and disaster relief missions; during testing, the aircraft achieved a maximum forward speed of 305 knots and demonstrated a combat range of 500 to 800 nautical miles, a self-deployment range of some 1,700 nautical miles, low-speed agility, and rapid mission systems integration; and WHEREAS, The U.S. Army selected Bell's V-280 Valor to replace its fleet of Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters; the initial prototype of the V-280 will be delivered to the army by 2025, and the first production aircraft are expected to be operational by 2030; the entire program is estimated to have a value up to $80 billion; and WHEREAS, Bell has long been at the forefront of aircraft development, and the company's V-280 Valor tiltrotor is sure to benefit the U.S. Army and contribute to our nation's defense for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Bell flight company on winning the U.S. Army contract to manufacture the V-280 Valor tiltrotor for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program and extend to all those associated with the firm sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Bell as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Turner Price Geren Bhojani Goldman Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1609 was adopted by the House on May 19, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House