DALLAS, 13 Feb. 2012. Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE:TXT), unveiled what is being dubbed the first super-medium helicopter. In a spectacular display that had half the exhibit floor at a stand-still crowded with eagerly awaiting show attendees, the company revealed the Bell 525 Relentless. The Bell 525 R is the result of years of work on a project previously referred to as Magellan.

"Today, we celebrate with our customers–not only the launch of this new product–but the result of our collective efforts to define a new class of helicopter that raises the bar on innovation in the industry," said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter, during the unveiling on the exhibition floor. The new super-medium product class, positioned at the upper end of the medium class and designed to offer best-in-class capabilities, features superior payload and range, cabin and cargo volumes, and crew visibility, he added.

"The new Bell 525 Relentless is a culmination of our research and development efforts, which were informed by a representative product development panel of our customers, including PHi, an industry leader in helicopter operations. Relentlessly listening to our customers and using their feedback to provide them with the right product at the right time has been the winning combination," Garrison continued.

The Bell 525 Relentless is powered by the GE CT7-2F1 engine and incorporates Garmin’s new G5000H avionics suite. The CT7-2F1 engine includes a state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) plus advanced materials, primarily in the turbine section.

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.

Watch the unveiling at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jwjttyIRGw.