The work includes composite and aluminium fuselage panels and structural parts installed in the cockpit, cabin and tailboom. Manufacture will begin in late 2012 with initial deliveries scheduled for 2013 and continuing through to the end of 2015.

GKN Aerospace's facilities in St. Louis, Missouri, and Tallassee, Alabama, will manufacture the components. The Tallassee site will produce composite structure including skins, bulkheads and frame assemblies.

“GKN Aerospace engineers have worked closely with the Bell Helicopter team through the structural design phase of this programme," reports Kevin Cummings, CEO – GKN Aerospace, North America.

"Together we have met the demanding weight and performance requirements for structures and assemblies that will equip this airframe from tip to tail – and whose manufacture will exploit our expertise across composite manufacture and metal machining. We are extremely proud to play our part in the creation of this first in a new class of ‘Super Medium’ helicopters.”

Bell 525 Relentless

Bell Helicopter announced the Bell 525 Relentless earlier this year.

Capable of carrying up to 16 passengers, the Bell 525 Relentless is designed to support various mission configurations including oil and gas, search and rescue, helicopter emergency medical services and VIP/corporate transport.