Memo Indicates A New Helicopter Is In The Works

An internal memo released by Bell Helicopter's Mirabel, Canada division says the company's 'Project X' has been re-named 'Magellan', and will result in a new helicopter.

The memo is short on specifics. It does not mention, for instance, any projected performance data for the new aircraft. Larry Roberts, Senior Vice President for Communications at Bell, says in the memo that "Magellan, formerly known as Project X, represents the collaboration of a dedicated cross-functional team of internal and external resources. Many individuals with key skill sets and exceptional talent will begin the exciting mission of developing a new product to meet the mission needs of our commercial customers."

Roberts says in the memo that Bell's customers will be invited to provide input into the development and validation process for the new helicopter through a "Customer Advisory Panel."

Bell says that Larry Thimmesch, Vice President of Commercial Programs, will lead the team  developing the new helicopter. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that aviation analysts have indicated that 'Project X' had been focused primarily on the offshore oil industry, which gravitates towards helicopters which have a longer range and are larger than those currently built by Bell.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com