Bell makes move on FLRAA test lab construction despite ongoing Defiant protest
Bell was awarded the deal that’s worth up to $1,3 billion to replace the US Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. (Photo: Bell)
Bell Textron began laying the foundations for a new testing facility for its V-280 Valor helicopter despite protest over its US Army Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) contract win.
Bell Textron executives have broken ground on a new facility dedicated to testing parts for the company's prospective helicopters, including the V-280 Valor that has won the US Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft contract.
Bell was awarded the $1.3 billion deal to replace the US Army's UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in early December 2022.
Team Defiant X, however, did not think the decision was made correctly and filed a protest with the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The administrative challenge set off by the protest is expected to be resolved by 7 April.
Despite the ongoing selection process review, Bell began laying
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the most mature CCA platform currently under development, with Boeing looking to accelerate its timelines and development of the aircraft.
-
![Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets]()
Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets
The Mexican Air Force has become the first Latin American operator of the C-130J Super Hercules, but the service is not alone in acquiring a tactical airlifter in recent months.
