Kind Reader, Bell Helicopter Tennessee is a reputable company that has been creating top-of-the-line helicopters for customers worldwide since 1935. With over 2,500 employees and a state-of-the-art facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee, Bell Helicopter Tennessee is continuously striving to produce the most advanced and efficient aircraft in the market.
Bell Helicopter Tennessee: History and Overview
Bell Helicopter Tennessee is a leading aerospace manufacturer located in Piney Flats in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of Textron Inc, one of the largest and most diversified aerospace and defense conglomerates in the world. Bell Helicopter Tennessee is known for its production of advanced rotorcraft systems and related technologies, including helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. The company was founded in 1935 and has since been at the forefront of aviation innovation, with a strong commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
History of Bell Helicopter Tennessee
The history of Bell Helicopter Tennessee dates back to 1935 when the company was founded in Buffalo, New York. Initially, the company focused on the production of utility helicopters and autogiros for both civilian and military applications. Over the years, Bell has developed and produced some of the most iconic helicopters in the industry, such as the Bell UH-1 Huey, the Bell OH-58 Kiowa, and the Bell AH-1 Cobra.
Overview of Bell Helicopter Tennessee
Bell Helicopter Tennessee has established itself as a leader in rotorcraft technology and is dedicated to advancing the state of aviation through continuous innovation. The company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee, which covers over 1.4 million square feet of production space. The facility employs more than 500 highly skilled employees, many of whom are engineers, designers, technicians, and support staff. Bell Helicopter Tennessee is committed to providing the highest quality products and services to its customers and partners, and continues to drive the industry forward through its relentless pursuit of excellence.
Bell Helicopter Tennessee Plant Expansion
In 2013, Bell Helicopters announced its decision to locate in Lafayette, Louisiana as part of expansion plans in the U.S. The company was planning to invest $11.4 million and create 115 new jobs. In the same year, Bell Helicopters and Textron subsidiaries combined the workforce of both HEMS and Commercial operations in Troy and Amarillo. The move was expected to increase the efficiency of Bell’s manufacturing center, bringing all of its commercial business operations together under a single roof, which is the Bell Helicopter Tennessee plant. The new technical center and completed manufacturing footprint has allowed Bell and its aviation partner, Spirit AeroSystems, to deliver their next-generation commercial helicopter platform, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, faster, cheaper, and with higher quality to customers around the world.
Bell Helicopter’s Louisiana Investment
The Louisiana expansion of the plant was one of over $1 billion being invested in 250 new or expanded business projects in the state that year. The total investment was expected to produce about 10,000 new jobs and over $30 billion in new sales. Although many competitors were fighting for the project, Louisiana Governor Jindal said that they won the deal because of their effective communication with the company. “The expansion will help grow the local economy and solidify Bell Helicopter’s presence as a major employer in the regionâ€, said Governor Jindal.
Bell’s Lafayette Technical Center
In addition to the plant expansion, Bell has built a new 82,300-square-foot hangar and an administration building at Lafayette for flight training. The technical center officially opened in 2016 and now features state-of-the-art technology that shortens product development time while improving precision. It was built with support from the State of Louisiana and the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, which provided performance-based incentives.
| No | LSI Keywords |
|---|---|
| 1 | Helicopter Tennessee |
| 2 | Bell Helicopter |
| 3 | Plant Expansion |
| 4 | Technical Center |
| 5 | Flight Training |
| 6 | Manufacturing Center |
| 7 | Aviation Partner |
| No | Information | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Company Name | Bell Helicopter Tennessee |
| 2 | Location | Piney Flats, Tennessee, USA |
| 3 | Products/Services | Production and assembly of helicopters, including the Bell 429 and Bell 407GXi |
| 4 | Number of Employees | Over 500 |
| 5 | Parent Company | Bell Textron Inc. |
| 6 | Founded | 1941 |
| 7 | Website | www.bellflight.com |
Bell Helicopter Tennessee Facilities
Bell Helicopter was initially envisioned as a production facility for military helicopters and was fully completed in 1981. The Bell Helicopter Tennessee facility expanded and now includes over 1.4 million square feet of space that supports manufacturing, engineering, administration, and warehousing. The location has two assembly lines and production capabilities for a variety of helicopter models, such as the Bell 412, 407, 429, 505, 525, and V-22 platforms.
Operation and Job Opportunities
The Bell Helicopter Tennessee facility relies on a wide range of manufacturing processes and production techniques employed by a talented, hardworking staff. The facility currently employs approximately 550 highly skilled team members that work in every aspect of production. The organization has career opportunities, ranging from entry-level positions to engineers and designers. The factory provides on-the-job training and encourages education outside of Bell Helicopter to promote constant learning and development.
Bell Helicopter Tennessee Research and Development
Bell Helicopter’s Tennessee facility conducts research and development activities to develop technologies that will transform air mobility in the future. In collaboration with industry partners and academic institutions, Bell Helicopter Tennessee researches topics ranging from advanced rotors for quieter and more efficient flight to new hybrid power systems. Over the years, Bell Helicopter has made significant advancements in rotor aviation, including the tiltrotor aircraft V-22 Osprey and the Bell 360 Invictus, a vertical take-off and landing attack helicopter designed to defeat a variety of future threats.
Bell Helicopter Tennessee: Manufacturing and Production
Bell Helicopter’s manufacturing facilities in Tennessee is responsible for the production of aircrafts such as the Bell UH-1Y and the AH-1Z for the United States Department of Defense. The 160-acre facility in Piney Flats employs over 500 workers who are responsible for the assembly of the final products.
Production Process
The production process at the Bell Helicopter facility begins with the design of the aircraft, followed by the fabrication of structural and mechanical components. These components are then assembled to create the airframe, which is inspected for quality assurance before integration with other subsystems such as the avionics, hydraulic and electrical systems.
Second Production Line
In 2018, Bell Helicopter announced the construction of a second production line at the Piney Flats facility for the manufacture of the Bell 360 Invictus. This prototype aircraft is being developed for the United States Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program.
Bell Helicopter Tennessee: Manufacturing Capabilities
Bell Helicopter Tennessee, a sister company of the famed Bell Textron Inc., is a world-renowned aerospace manufacturer with exceptional capabilities when it comes to manufacturing aircraft. Its facilities in Piney Flats and Lafayette are equipped with technologically advanced machinery for producing a range of helicopter components with unparalleled precision.
Sophisticated tools & equipment
The Piney Flats facility of Bell Helicopter Tennessee spans over 1 million square feet of area- housing the most advanced tools that are essential for manufacturing aircraft. For instance, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines that allow for automated, high-speed and high-quality production of complex parts with incredible accuracy. The tools include state-of-the-art assembly lines, innovative automated machines, and computerized testing equipment that are regularly updated to stay technologically ahead of all other manufacturers.
Robust Supply Chain
Bell Helicopter Tennessee invests heavily in its supply chain in order to ensure it is impeccably streamlined and operating at maximum efficiency. The company works with authorized suppliers like GE, Collins Aerospace, and other world-class companies. This ensures a regular and uninterrupted supply of quality raw materials that are essential for manufacturing high-quality aircraft.
| No | Notable Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bell Helicopter Tennessee has invested over $1.3 billion in the state of Tennessee. |
| 2 | Over 6,000 people have been employed by the company in Tennessee. |
| 3 | The Piney Flats facility is one of the largest helicopter manufacturing facilities in the world. |
| 4 | Bell Helicopter Tennessee has a self-sufficient manufacturing process that enables it to produce aircraft parts in-house. |
Bell Helicopter’s Impact on Tennessee’s Economy
Bell Helicopter’s operations in Tennessee have a significant impact on the state’s economy. The company has created numerous jobs and contributes to the overall growth of the state’s economy. In fact, Bell Helicopter is one of the largest employers in the region, employing more than 6,500 people and generating millions of dollars for the state’s economy each year.
The Job Market
The company’s operations have been a significant driver of job growth in the region. Bell Helicopter’s manufacturing facility alone employs more than 2,000 people, and its suppliers and logistics partners in the region employ several thousand more. The company has also invested significantly in the community, providing financial support for education and partnering with local institutions to develop a highly skilled workforce.
Contributions to Local Economy
Bell Helicopter’s operations have a significant impact on Tennessee’s economy, generating millions of dollars in economic activity each year. The company’s direct investment in the region supports other local businesses and suppliers, and its employees contribute to the local economy through spending, taxes, and other activities. The company’s positive impact on the region is evident in the steady growth of the economy and the ongoing development of new industries and opportunities.
Bell Helicopter in Mirabel, Quebec
Bell manufactures helicopters in both Fort Worth, Texas, and Mirabel, Quebec. Bell opened its Mirabel facility in 1986. The facilities in Quebec are responsible for manufacturing and assembling different models of helicopters, including the Bell 429, Bell 407, and Bell 505. Mirabel is one of the most advanced facilities, featuring modern technologies, such as 3D printing and computer-guided fabrication.
Bell 429 in Quebec
The Bell 429 is a twin-engine light utility helicopter manufactured by Bell in Mirabel, Quebec. It has a dual digital autopilot and a four-axis flight control system. The 429 can seat up to seven passengers with one pilot. It’s used in civil patrol, air ambulance, and firefighting operations. Bell 429’s cabin is spacious and configured to meet the needs of crew and passengers.
Bell 505 in Quebec
The Bell 505 is a single-engine utility helicopter that seats up to four passengers. It incorporates advanced features, including a Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine and a cutting-edge avionics suite. The helicopter has a range of 306 miles and a maximum speed of 125 knots. It’s used in different operations, ranging from personal travels, flight training, news reporting down to agricultural surveys.
Bell Helicopter Tennessee FAQ
Get answers to your questions regarding Bell Helicopter Tennessee below.
1. What is Bell Helicopter Tennessee?
Bell Helicopter Tennessee is a manufacturing facility located in Piney Flats, Tennessee, that produces and assembles helicopters and related components.
2. What kind of helicopters does Bell Helicopter Tennessee produce?
The facility produces and assembles a range of helicopters, including models such as the Bell 407, Bell 429, and Bell 525 Relentless.
3. Can I tour the Bell Helicopter Tennessee facility?
Unfortunately, the facility is not open to the public for tours due to safety and security reasons.
4. Are there job opportunities available at Bell Helicopter Tennessee?
Yes, you can check for available job openings on Bell Helicopter Tennessee’s career page.
5. Can I order a custom helicopter from Bell Helicopter Tennessee?
Yes, Bell Helicopter Tennessee offers customization options for their helicopters. You can contact them directly for more information.
6. How long does it take for Bell Helicopter Tennessee to build a helicopter?
The amount of time it takes to build a helicopter can vary depending on the model and customization options. Please contact Bell Helicopter Tennessee directly for more information.
7. What safety measures does Bell Helicopter Tennessee have in place?
Bell Helicopter Tennessee has a strong safety culture and implements various safety measures, including regular training, safety audits, and risk assessment processes.
8. Are there any safety concerns with Bell Helicopter Tennessee’s helicopters?
Bell Helicopter Tennessee’s helicopters undergo rigorous testing and meet strict safety standards. However, any potential safety concerns should be addressed with Bell Helicopter Tennessee directly.
9. Can I purchase a Bell Helicopter Tennessee helicopter as an individual, or only as a business?
Bell Helicopter Tennessee helicopters can be purchased by both individuals and businesses.
10. What is the warranty on Bell Helicopter Tennessee’s helicopters?
The warranty on Bell Helicopter Tennessee’s helicopters varies depending on the model and is typically outlined in the purchase agreement.
11. What kind of maintenance is required for Bell Helicopter Tennessee’s helicopters?
Bell Helicopter Tennessee provides maintenance manuals and guidelines for their helicopters, and regular maintenance is necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation. Maintenance requirements can vary by model and use.
12. Can I receive training on how to fly a Bell Helicopter Tennessee helicopter?
Yes, Bell Helicopter Tennessee offers various training programs for both pilots and maintenance technicians.
13. What is Bell Helicopter Tennessee’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility?
Bell Helicopter Tennessee is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility and has implemented various initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, such as energy-efficient lighting and recycling programs.
14. Can I purchase parts for my Bell Helicopter Tennessee helicopter from other suppliers?
Bell Helicopter Tennessee strongly recommends using only authorized parts and suppliers to ensure safe and efficient operation of their helicopters.
15. How can I contact Bell Helicopter Tennessee with additional questions or concerns?
You can contact Bell Helicopter Tennessee directly through their website or by phone to address any additional questions or concerns you may have.
Learn about the history and success of Bell Helicopter’s Tennessee facility with Bell Helicopter Tennessee article.
Until Next Time, Kind Reader
We hope you enjoyed getting to know more about Bell Helicopter Tennessee. From its humble beginnings to its current success, it’s clear that this company has contributed significantly to the aviation industry. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll even get the chance to take a ride in one of their world-renowned helicopters. Until then, we thank you for taking the time to read our article and hope to see you again soon. Happy travels!
