Bell is an American aerospace manufacturer specializing in the design, production, and servicing of helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. The company was founded in 1935 by Larry Bell as Bell Aircraft Corporation in Buffalo, New York, and is currently headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Bell is a subsidiary of Textron Inc., a diversified industrial conglomerate.
Bell has a significant legacy in rotorcraft history, having produced the first commercially certified helicopter, the Bell 47, in 1946, and the iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey), one of the most produced helicopters in history. The company also developed the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor in partnership with Boeing and the Bell V-280 Valor, selected for the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program.
In the civil and VIP market, Bell produces the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, Bell 407GXi, Bell 412, Bell 429, and Bell 525 Relentless. The Bell 429 is one of the most popular light-twin helicopters for corporate and VIP transport, offering a spacious cabin, advanced avionics, and the ability to operate in demanding environments. The Bell 525 Relentless is a super-medium twin-engine helicopter designed for offshore, corporate, and VIP applications.
Bell offers VIP interior configurations across its product range, with customized cabins featuring premium leather seating, noise-reduction systems, entertainment installations, and bespoke finishes. Bell maintains manufacturing operations in Fort Worth, Texas, and Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, along with a global network of authorized service centers. New helicopter prices range from approximately $1.5 million to over $15 million depending on the model and configuration.