The National Research Council Canada (NRC) and Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced today that they have signed a 10-year research framework agreement to identify and undertake work of mutual interest in the research and development of technology solutions for the aerospace industry. This agreement will streamline the process of setting up fee-for-service and collaborative research projects of mutual interest to the two organizations.

"The Government of Canada is committed to ensure the aerospace industry remains strong, internationally competitive and at the leading edge of technology development," said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry. "This agreement builds on and expands the National Research Council's long-standing research and business relationship with Bell Helicopter Textron in an area where Canada has a proven capability".

"It will make it even easier for the NRC and Bell Helicopter to combine their expertise to pursue innovations in the lab that will ultimately deliver technology solutions to the global marketplace," says Mr. John McDougall, President of the NRC. "Ultimately, these collaborations will make a very real impact on the creation of safer, lighter, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly aircraft."

With this agreement, the two organizations will continue this productive relationship well into the future. Projects including the continued exploration of the use of composite materials for aircraft structures and flight-test of new avionics systems are under way. Wind tunnel testing of proposed helicopter design modifications is slated to begin in the fall of 2010.

"Bell Helicopter has a 75-year legacy of technological innovation and is committed to continuing that history. We are honored to partner with NRC to develop further advancements for the helicopter industry including setting new standards in design, safety and operational capabilities," said John L. Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. "We look forward to continuing our demonstrated alliance while bringing increased value to our customers."

For over 50 years, Bell Helicopter and NRC have enjoyed a long-standing collaborative research and technology development relationship that has resulted in the development of specifications for helicopter handling qualities, advances in understanding about rotary-wing aerodynamics, and Canadian breakthroughs in manufacturing aircraft structures from composite materials.