UAV Bell and Garmin sign agreement for VTOL aircraft
Bell Helicopter has announced, that is has signed a teaming agreement with Garmin International Inc.
Both companies will work together on the development and integration of the autonomous vehicle management computer (VMC).
This computer will be installed to support Bell´s vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, the Bell Air Taxi.
Bell’s Scott Drennan, vice president of Innovation at Bell stated: "We believe a convergence of technological advancements is enabling the industry to drive solutions that will bring viable urban air transportation to our everyday lives in a way that is safe, quiet, convenient and affordable. This collaboration with Garmin brings us even closer to achieving our goal."
Garmin has gathered decades of experience in the avionics market. The strong collaboration history with Bell will be once again strengthened. Both companies work towards the same direction; to bring vertical lift aircraft to the market. Garmin´s innovative systems are set to enhance the situational awareness on board VTOL systems in all weather conditions.
Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation marketing and sales at Garmin said: “We are honored to team with Bell to provide the autonomous vehicle management computer for the future of urban air travel.” He added, that the company looks forward to leveraging the decades of experience into autonomous systems, in order to deliver solutions to this exciting, emerging market.
Bell stated, that it will lead the production, development and design of VTOL systems in this collaboration. Garmin on the other hand will lead production, development and design of the avionics software and hardware.