Bell selects five RTX systems for U.S Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX (NYSE:RTX) subsidiary Collins Aerospace was awarded contracts by Bell to supply five critical systems for the U.S. Army's MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).

The systems—main power generation, interconnect drive, SmartProbe® air data, cockpit seating and ice protection—will be produced using commercial acquisition authorities with work across seven U.S. states.

News Market Reaction – RTX

-0.07%

1 alert

-0.07% News Effect

On the day this news was published, RTX declined 0.07%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Critical systems awarded: 5 systems Aircraft performance: 2x speed and range Support duration: 50 years

3 metrics

Critical systems awarded 5 systems Collins Aerospace contracts for MV-75 FLRAA

Aircraft performance 2x speed and range MV-75 FLRAA vs current U.S. Army fleet

Support duration 50 years Collins’ commitment to modernize and sustain MV-75 FLRAA

Market Reality Check

Price: $196.42 Vol: Volume 3,140,918 is below...

normal vol

$196.42 Last Close

Volume Volume 3,140,918 is below the 20-day average of 4,405,103, suggesting a relatively subdued reaction ahead of this contract news. normal

Technical Shares trade above the 200-day MA of 175.75, keeping RTX in a longer-term uptrend despite today’s pullback.

Peers on Argus

RTX is down 0.8% with key aerospace/defense peers also negative (e.g., BA -1.15%...

RTX is down 0.8% with key aerospace/defense peers also negative (e.g., BA -1.15%, LMT -0.9%, GD -2.09%, NOC -1.69%), pointing to broader sector softness even though momentum scanners did not flag a coordinated move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 01 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Apr 01	Cyber toolkit launch	Positive	+0.9%	DARPA-funded Maude-HCS tool for validating covert communication networks.
Mar 31	F135 contract award	Positive	+3.1%	Pratt & Whitney received $6.6B F135 engine production contract for lots 18–19.
Mar 31	Earnings date set	Neutral	+3.1%	Announcement of Q1 2026 earnings release and conference call schedule.
Mar 16	Hybrid powertrain test	Positive	+0.7%	Collins Aerospace began hybrid-electric powertrain subsystem testing for SWITCH project.
Mar 13	Facility expansion	Positive	+0.7%	Raytheon completed $115M expansion of Alabama missile integration facility.

Pattern Detected

Recent defense and technology announcements have generally coincided with positive 24-hour price reactions for RTX.

Recent Company History

Over the last month, RTX has reported several defense and technology milestones, including a $6.6 billion F135 production contract, a hybrid‑electric powertrain test start at The Grid, and a missile facility expansion at Raytheon. These events, alongside a cyber toolkit launch and an upcoming April 21, 2026 earnings release, all saw positive next‑day moves between 0.7% and 3.07%. Today’s Collins FLRAA systems award fits this pattern of steady defense program wins supporting RTX’s franchise positions.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-09-18

RTX has an effective S-3ASR shelf registration dated 2025-09-18, allowing it to offer various securities, including debt, warrants, common stock, stock purchase contracts and equity units via future prospectus supplements. The filing outlines standard indenture terms, subordination features and limitations on certain liens and sale‑leaseback transactions. No usage of this shelf has been recorded yet.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Collins Aerospace securing five key systems on the U.S. Army’s MV-75 FL...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Collins Aerospace securing five key systems on the U.S. Army’s MV-75 FLRAA, a next-generation rotorcraft offering roughly twice the speed and range of the current fleet. It underscores RTX’s embedded role across major defense platforms alongside recent engine and missile program wins. Investors may watch for follow‑on awards, the pace of FLRAA deployment over the next 50 years, and how defense backlog and contract mix feature in the upcoming earnings release.

Key Terms

rotorcraft, digital engineering, modular open systems approach, smartprobe, +2 more

6 terms

rotorcraft technical

"The Army's new generation of rotorcraft needs to fly farther and faster"

A rotorcraft is an aircraft that generates lift through spinning blades, allowing it to take off and land vertically, hover, and fly at low speeds — common examples include helicopters and tiltrotors. Investors care because companies that build, operate, or service rotorcraft are affected by government contracts, safety rules, fuel and maintenance costs, and demand for specialized transport; think of them like businesses tied to vehicles that can go where planes cannot, so orders and regulations directly influence revenue and risk.

digital engineering technical

"The program uses digital engineering and a modular open systems approach"

Digital engineering is the use of computers, simulations and data models to design, test and manage products, systems or processes in a virtual space instead of only on physical prototypes. For investors it matters because it speeds development, cuts upfront costs and reduces the risk of costly surprises—similar to an architect using detailed digital blueprints and a scale model to find problems before construction—helping companies bring better products to market faster and with clearer cost forecasts.

modular open systems approach technical

"uses digital engineering and a modular open systems approach to ensure"

A modular open systems approach is a way of designing products so parts can be mixed, matched and upgraded independently, often using shared standards that allow different suppliers to provide compatible components. For investors it matters because this reduces vendor lock-in, speeds product upgrades, lowers long‑term costs and can expand the pool of suppliers, all of which can improve a company’s flexibility, revenue potential and resilience to supply disruptions—think of it like building with LEGO blocks instead of fixed, one‑piece toys.

smartprobe technical

"Interconnect drive systemSmartProbe® air data systemCockpit seatingIce protection"

A smartprobe is a handheld or implantable medical instrument that combines sensors, data processing and wireless connectivity to measure conditions inside the body or at a treatment site and send real‑time information to clinicians. For investors, it matters because these devices can open recurring revenue streams through software, data services and consumables, affect regulatory and reimbursement risk, and act like a “smart thermometer” for doctors—helping decisions faster and potentially changing how care is delivered.

air data system technical

"Interconnect drive systemSmartProbe® air data systemCockpit seatingIce protection"

An air data system is the set of sensors and instruments on an aircraft that measure outside-air conditions like speed, altitude and air pressure, and feed that information to cockpit displays and flight-control computers. For investors, it matters because the reliability and accuracy of these systems affect a manufacturer’s safety record, certification process, maintenance costs and liability exposure—similar to how a car’s speedometer and engine sensors influence resale value and repair bills.

ice protection system technical

"air data systemCockpit seatingIce protection system"We are happy to work"

An ice protection system is the equipment and processes that stop ice from forming or remove ice that has formed on vehicles or structures that operate in cold, wet conditions—most commonly aircraft surfaces, engines and sensors. For investors it matters because these systems affect safety, regulatory approval, operating reliability and maintenance costs; like a car’s defroster for a plane, a reliable system reduces downtime and financial risk tied to weather-related interruptions.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Collins Aerospace joins Bell to deliver the U.S. Army's next-generation aircraft

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been awarded multiple contracts from Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, to deliver five critical systems for the U.S. Army's MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).

"The Army's new generation of rotorcraft needs to fly farther and faster, and we're committed to helping Bell accelerate delivery of that advanced performance with Collins' military-grade commercial technology," said Troy Brunk, president of Collins Aerospace. "We have ready-now manufacturing and service capabilities around the globe to ensure the Army can urgently deliver, modernize and sustain the MV-75 FLRAA for the next 50 years."

Collins Aerospace will provide several of these systems via commercial acquisition authorities. The five systems include:

• Main power generation
• Interconnect drive system
• SmartProbe® air data system
• Cockpit seating
• Ice protection system

"We are happy to work with Collins Aerospace and add their expertise to Team FLRAA," said Ryan Ehinger, senior vice president and program director, Bell. "Together, we are committed to delivering a high-performing, reliable aircraft that will provide the U.S. Army with the critical capability it needs for the future fight."

The U.S. Army's first clean sheet rotorcraft in a generation, the MV-75 FLRAA delivers twice the speed and range of the current fleet – transforming the Army's operational capability. The program uses digital engineering and a modular open systems approach to ensure maximum efficiency and flexibility throughout the aircraft lifecycle.  

Work for these systems will be completed in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and West Virginia.

About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our 80,000 employees are dedicated to delivering future-focused technologies to advance sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and more.

About RTX
With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

This material is based upon work supported by the Army Contracting Command - Redstone Arsenal under Contract No. W58RGZ-23-C-0001. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Army Contracting Command - Redstone Arsenal.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bell-selects-five-rtx-systems-for-us-armys-future-long-range-assault-aircraft-302736654.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What systems will RTX's Collins Aerospace provide for the MV-75 FLRAA contract?

Collins Aerospace will deliver five systems including power, drive, air data, seating, and ice protection. According to RTX, the five systems are main power generation, interconnect drive system, SmartProbe® air data system, cockpit seating and ice protection.

How does the Bell–RTX collaboration affect MV-75 FLRAA production timeline?

The collaboration aims to accelerate delivery of MV-75 capabilities by leveraging ready-now manufacturing. According to RTX, Collins Aerospace cited global manufacturing and service capabilities to support urgent delivery and sustainment of the MV-75 for decades.

Where will RTX perform work related to the FLRAA systems for Bell?

Work will be completed across multiple U.S. states including Colorado, Illinois, and Ohio. According to RTX, production and related activities will occur in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and West Virginia.

What performance improvements does the MV-75 FLRAA offer compared to current Army rotorcraft?

The MV-75 is described as delivering roughly twice the speed and range of the current fleet. According to RTX, the clean-sheet design uses digital engineering and a modular open systems approach to boost operational capability.

Did RTX say how Collins Aerospace will acquire the FLRAA systems for Bell?

Collins Aerospace will provide several systems via commercial acquisition authorities rather than direct procurement channels. According to RTX, those commercial acquisition authorities will be used to supply the five specified FLRAA systems to Bell.