Press Release

Issued by Bell, a Textron Company.

March 6, 2013

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc company, announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Van Horn Aviation to develop a composite tail rotor blade for the Bell 212 and Bell 412 product lines.

Van Horn Aviation has agreed to design, certify and manufacture the rotor blades with Bell Helicopter Engineering participating in the design and certification processes.

"The collaboration between Bell Helicopter and Van Horn Aviation is another example of Bell Helicopter's continued focus to team with industry partners and bring innovative, cost effective products to market that are backed by the strength of Bell Helicopter," said Eric Cardinali, executive vice president, Bell Helicopter Customer Support and Services. "We are pleased to join with Van Horn Aviation in this endeavor and will continue to pursue similar opportunities to better support our growing customer base."

"The Bell 212/Bell 412 M0U builds on our successful Bell 206 series tail rotor blade distribution agreement with Bell Helicopter by expanding our relationship to include engineering and test collaboration," said James Van Horn, president, Van Horn Aviation. "This collaboration will be of tremendous benefit to our mutual customers by combining Bell Helicopter's in depth product knowledge with VHA's low cost structure and proven robust composite blade designs."

When certified, the blades will be distributed under Bell Helicopter's Aeronautical Accessories brand. Under the Aeronautical Accessories brand, Bell Helicopter currently serves as the exclusive distributor for the Van Horn composite tail rotor blade for the Bell 206 B/L aircraft.