Sun, Nov 06, 2022
Bell, Qarbon Aerospace Nab Valuable Contract to Manufacture Next-Gen Spacecraft
Virgin Galactic has entered into an agreement with Bell Textron and Qarbon Aerospace to manufacture "key subassemblies" for their next-gen Delta Class ships.
Bell's expertise in rotary wing aircraft earned it a place of honor in consideration, given Delat's "unique feathering system and flight control surfaces." Qarbon, having cachet of its own in the field of carbon fiber fuselage production, received similar recognition from Virgin.
“The Delta class spaceships are an evolution of our distinctive flight system, designed for improved manufacturability, maintenance and flight rate capability,” said Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier. “Bell and Qarbon Aerospace are established partners who bring know-how, ideas and resources that will enable us to produce up to six new Delta Class ships per year. Together with Aurora Flight Sciences, who is producing our next gen motherships, we now have the primary suppliers in place to propel the production of our spaceline fleet at scale.”
Bell Vice President of Prototyping and Testing, Glenn Isbell, said that the company was proud of the win. “We are honored Virgin Galactic has chosen Bell to support flight control technology and aircraft manufacturing for its Delta Class spaceship program. Bell’s 85-year legacy consists of revolutionary advancements in vertical lift and space technology, and we’re thrilled to make this exciting return to space vehicle development to help bring Virgin Galactic’s vision to life.”
“After a highly competitive and methodical selection process, we are thrilled to be partnering with Bell and Qarbon Aerospace,” added Swami Iyer, Virgin Galactic President, Aerospace Systems. "The Delta spaceship manufacturing process will benefit from our investment in digital twin technology, which enables seamless integration, real-time collaboration, strong governance, and increased production efficiency and reliability.”
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