Bell, Moog collaborate for mobility flight controls

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, is teaming with Moog to develop the Flight Control Actuation System (FCAS) to support Bell’s vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and on-demand mobility (ODM) solutions.

Bell will lead the design, development, and production of the VTOL systems. Moog will lead the design and development of the flight control actuation systems which includes architecture, hardware, and software needed for air vehicle flight control actuation management.

“Within this collaboration, Moog will ensure an advanced, fully integrated actuation system which will provide a safe, reliable, and affordable solution for our aircraft,” said Bell’s Scott Drennan, vice president of Innovation.

Ralph Elbert, group vice president & GM Moog Aircraft, stated, “Moog’s role will include providing the all-electric, fly-by-wire actuators and electronics used to direct and control the aircraft’s propulsion system and aero-surfaces.”

As previously announced, Safran will provide the hybrid propulsion systems and Garmin will integrate the avionics and the vehicle management computer (VMC) systems; EPS will provide the energy storage systems, and Thales will lead the flight controls system.