WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) applauded the news that Bell Textron Inc. has been awarded the contract for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). This is the Army’s largest vertical lift contract award in 40 years and could eventually be worth over $70 billion. Every new aircraft will come through Bell’s Military Aircraft Assembly & Delivery Center in Amarillo, Texas. 

Jackson said: “The Army has made a fantastic decision in selecting Bell’s V-280 Valor as its next-generation assault aircraft. The workforce in Amarillo is well equipped to deliver on this contract, which will, in turn, position our service members for success in a future conflict. As a veteran combat physician and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know how important the Army’s Future Vertical Lift efforts are. Bell has had my absolute support throughout every phase of this competitive process. They will continue to have my full support as I work to make sure our district remains at the forefront of America’s national security enterprise and that we deliver these aircraft to the force as rapidly as we possibly can.” 

Mitch Snyder, President and CEO of Bell said: “Bell is thankful for the strong support offered for Bell and Army modernization throughout the FLRAA competition by Representative Jackson. We appreciate the Amarillo community’s continued backing for strengthening our national security and the safety of the American people. We are proud of our world-class workforce and we are all committed to delivering this next-generation FLRAA capability.”

Background:

• This award builds on Bell’s stellar reputation in the defense industry, which includes more than 85 years of providing more than 30,000 vertical lift products for the United States and our allies worldwide.     
• The V-280 Valor will eventually replace the Army’s fleet of Black Hawk helicopters, which have been in service for more than four decades, to ensure the Army is ready to compete and win in a future conflict.
• Jackson has been a leading voice on military aircraft modernization efforts. In January 2022, he penned an op-ed in support of the Army’s future vertical lift plans.
• As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Jackson has routinely engaged with Department of Defense and industry leadership to advocate for the workforce in Amarillo through hearings, briefings, and legislation.

###