Bell is planning a threefold expansion in the size of its new tiltrotor assembly plant in anticipation of a full rate production go - ahead for the MV-22 Osprey and the future addition of the Bell Agusta BA609 programme.
The Amarillo, Texas plant is preparing for an increase in tiltrotor production with the US Marine Corps and US Air Force due to place orders for 16 MV-22s and four CV-22s respectively for delivery in 2003. Initial deliveries of the 6-9-seat BA609 tiltrotor is set to start the following year.
"We could be delivering as many as 60 BA609s, as well as 39 V-22s, a year by 2007/08. We have 284 employees and we anticipate this growing to over 1,500 with the BA609," says Dwight Byars, Bell vice president tiltrotor operations.
The plant opened in May last year and comprises a 15,980m2 (172,000ft2) final assembly building and 6,690m2 pre-delivery flight facility. Bell's plans to complete a similar sized extension to the assembly hall by mid-2002 to accommodate the increased V-22 output and initial BA609 production.
A third expansion phase calls for the construction of a further 8,360-11,150m2 of assembly space in 2005, and a second flight check hangar. Bells says it has so far spent $23 million out of the $40 million financial assistance provided by local Amarillo authorities, but will need more funds for the third building.
Bell is looking at how it might accommodate production of the proposed larger Quad Tiltrotor if the development is pursued. The plant occupies 26Ha (65 acres) at the Amarillo airport and "if required we have another 119 acres available," adds Byars.
Source: Flight International
