British engine maker Rolls-Royce and Bell Helicopter, part of American conglomerate Textron, sign teaming agreement to research engine designs to improve safety, performance and affordability for future aircraft.

Bell Helicopter announced a teaming agreement with Rolls-Royce for the development of an optimized propulsion system and continued risk reduction efforts aimed at the V-280 Valor and V-247 advanced vertical lift platforms.

The collaboration will focus on the integration of Rolls-Royce’s proven low-risk and advanced propulsion systems into future Bell aircraft.

“The goal of this collaboration is to further enhance the performance and affordability of our aircraft. Future Vertical Lift programs bring revolutionary solutions for warfighters; Bell and Rolls-Royce are focused on delivering those capabilities,” said Keith Flail, vice president of Advanced Vertical Lift Systems at Bell.

This agreement extends Bell’s support for the U.S. military’s aviation modernization and acquisition priorities. Building industry relationships delivers options to rapidly mature technology and provide capability to the warfighter. The result will be more options to create aircraft with revolutionary capabilities for vertical lift programs.

“Bell is at the forefront of creating highly capable and sustainable aircraft that vastly outperform legacy platforms, and Rolls-Royce is a world leader in advanced engines and propulsion systems. We are excited to enhance our long-standing relationship with Bell and help deliver on customer requirements through innovative solutions and proven technologies,” said Jason Propes, senior vice-president, Defense Customer Relations at Rolls-Royce.

As part of this teaming agreement, Bell will lead the design, development and production of advanced vertical lift systems, and Rolls-Royce will provide its technical expertise in propulsion systems to provide potential customers with tested, high-performance solutions. This collaboration extends a successful relationship between Bell and Rolls-Royce that has existed for more than 50 years.