The federal and Quebec governments are contributing $176.6 million towards a $726.6-million R&D project by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd (BHTCL) for the development of key technologies for a new family of Canadian-built civilian helicopters. The federal portion of the funding assistance package ($115 million) will be flowed through Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC), at least until a new program for large aerospace and automotive projects is established (R$, February 22/05).

Federal funding of the project — currently awaiting Treasury Board approval — will be spread over several years. BHTCL will execute a five-phase approach to the development of technologies underpinning composite cabin elements, a new drive train and a new electrical and avionics system. The project is expected to sustain more than 500 jobs over the next 15 years.

Dubbed the Modular Affordable Product Line, the project aims to improve performance in the areas of speed, payload, direct operating costs, reliability and noise levels. BHTCL is committing to use the funding to produce four new light helicopters and achieve a series of engineering/research and development milestones.

BHTCL is headquartered at Mirabel Airport, which is the international production centre for Bell Helicopter’s commercial products. It is the largest and only manufacturer of completely integrated helicopters in Canada and employs approximately 1,400 people. Another 1,000 are indirectly supported by BHTCL through a supply chain of 100 firms spread across Canada. The Montreal region is home to 50% of all Canadian aerospace employees working for the key corporations.

BHTCL is a subsidiary of the Bell Helicopter Group, Fort Worth TX, which in turn is a subsidiary of Textron Inc, Providence RI. It also has a supply centre in Calgary and an international support group through Bell Helicopter International Canada Inc.

Bell Helicopter accounts for 14% of the global market for commercial helicopters.

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