Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced that Ray Service a.s. achieved "Class One" Supplier Certification as part of the H-1 industrial participation program. It is the first Czech company to achieve this certification.

Bell and Ray Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding at NATO Days 2019 regarding industrial participation as part of UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopter procurement by the government of the Czech Republic.

Ray Service achieved the "Class One" supplier certification following stringent inspections by Bell and rigorous audits of its production processes. The company's leadership, employees, facilities and overall commitment to quality were evaluated as part of the certification process.

A team traveled from Bell's headquarters in Texas, United States to Ray Service headquarters in Stare Mesto, Czech Republic to deliver the certificate.

"The industrial capabilities of the Czech Republic and its people never stop impressing us," says David Meek, supplier manager – Vehicle Management Systems at Bell. "Ray Service is helping us to fulfill the requirements of the Czech H-1 program. This certification is part of an ongoing process to build lasting relationships with Czech industry and to support the country's H-1 capabilities for decades to come. The certificate is also a major endorsement of Ray Service's production processes as it becomes integrated into our global supply chain.

In 2019, the Czech Republic selected the Bell UH-1Y 'Venom' and AH-1Z 'Viper' combat-proven helicopters for the country's military modernisation program. Delivery of the eight UH-1Y and four AH-1Z helicopters to the Czech Republic is scheduled to be complete by 2023. The modernisation program will include pilot and personnel training as well as maintenance support, while fulfilling the requirement that Czech industry must be involved in through-life support for the aircraft.

"We are delighted to have received "Class One" certification from Bell," says Jakub Gabriel, managing director of Ray Service. "Such recognition from one of the world's most innovative aircraft manufacturers is a major boost for us and confirms the extremely high standards of our production processes. We can't wait to work together with Bell throughout the initial delivery stage of the program and into the future."

"Class One" certification is also a major step in Ray Service's integration into Bell's global supply chain.