Bell Helicopter Textron [TXT] unveiled its first concept aircraft and helicopter, the FCX-001, to demonstrate technologies that will revolutionize the pilot and passenger experiences, the company said March 7.
The FCX-001 concept aircraft came out of the work from a group of engineers and graphic designers and was unveiled at the HAI Heli-Expo 2017 in Dallas, Texas.
The concept demonstates technologies including:
- a new anti-torque system in the tail boom to change the safety, noise, and performance parameters of vertical life aircraft;
- hybridized propulsion that combines advanced thermalengine cores for the main propulsion with electric distribution and motors to drive the anti-torque system for greater control and simpler operations andm ainteanance;
- an airframe made from advanced sustainable materials to provide structural performances and offer confogurations customers desire;
- a landing gear with non-traditional geometrics to facilitate the function when combined with advanced materials and actuation;
- morphing rotor blades to allow the aircraft to optimize performance in different flight regimes;
- a single pilot seat and flight deck experience where the pilot controls the aircraft through augmented reality with an artificial intelligence computer assistance system; and
- a highly modular passenger cabin with the same augmented reality technology.
“Six months ago we created a dedicated team to focus on emerging technologies and how we could incorporate them into our products. Among that team’s first tasks was to display visually the technologies and innovations that present a roadmap that we envision bringing to market,” Bell Helicopter President and CEO Mitch Snyder said during the expo.
“The FCX-001 points the way for our future – a renewed focus on innovative solutions and technologies. When the time is right we look forward to sharing more of what we’re doing behind closed doors,” he added.