Story ID: 
Bell Adds Thales to VTOL Team 
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Thales will develop the flight controls for the VTOL model.
Word Count: 205
Bell is teaming with Thales on development of the flight controls for the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) civil aircraft Bell is developing for the on-demand mobility (ODM) air taxi market, the airframer announced today. The rotorcraft manufacturer continues to build the ODM network for the development of an air taxi, noting Thales’ extensive experience in commercial and military avionics and air traffic management will help to advance this effort. 

“Thales is playing a leading role in shaping the autonomous world,” said Michel Grenier, Thales Canada vice president for avionics. “This agreement demonstrates our expertise in avionics and best-in-class flight control technologies that support critical safety and autonomy requirements.” Thales will lead the flight controls system technology design and development. Previously announced partners, including Safran and Garmin, will provide propulsion systems, avionics, and vehicle management computers. 

“We continue to expand our team and capabilities for our ODM aircraft to bring the most advanced technology available and new vertical-lift solutions to the market,” said Scott Drennan, Bell vice president of innovation. “Our collaboration with Thales is intended to ensure affordable flight controls system that will be designed to meet the needs of future piloted and fully autonomous on-demand mobility vehicles.”