Must Grow To Meet Demand For Osprey Production

Bell Helicopter announced Monday a major expansion during ground-breaking ceremonies at its Military Aircraft Assembly Center, located at Rick Husband International Airport (AMA) in Amarillo, TX.

In preparation for a ramp-up in production of both the H-1 helicopter program and the Bell Boeing V-22, an additional 176,000 square feet of floor space will be constructed. This will bring the total size of the Bell facility to 1,095,000 sq. ft. under roof.

Bell says the expansion, scheduled for completion in July 2009, is primarily driven by the Bell Boeing V-22 Multi-Year Production contract signed in March 2008. That contract provides 167 aircraft to the US Marine Corps and Air Force Special Operations Command over a five year period, with an annual option for adding up to five additional aircraft. The new space allotted from the expansion provides room to build the additional aircraft.

In prepared remarks, Bell Executive Vice President for Government Programs Bob Kenney noted, "In just a few short years we will go from manufacturing the 17 V-22’s we’ll deliver this year to over 40 Ospreys annually. The Marines have been flying their MV-22’s in combat in Iraq for the past year. This plant expansion enables us to meet the urgent needs of our customers."

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com