TenCate providing compression moulded parts for Relentless
On 1st July, this programme achieved its first flight.
At the current time, there are approximately a dozen parts per aircraft in applications ranging from access doors to engine compartment walls.
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TenCate in the UK is based at Langley Mill, Nottingham.
Compression molded composite parts provide producer Bell Helicopter with high grade, lightweight and cost saving materials that allow fabrication of complex parts in one efficient molding cycle. The chopped carbon fibre parts build upon Bell Helicopter's experience from several leading edge defence applications, including the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor programme.
Matt Cano, Director of Sales at TenCate Advanced Composites in Camarillo, California, USA said: "This is a good example of how an industry leader like Bell Helicopter utilises compression molded parts to achieve cost savings on military programmes and developed an expertise which was able to cross over into civil programmes."
The Bell 525 Relentless represents the world's first fly by wire commercial helicopter and features a touchscreen glass cockpit. This helicopter is designed to accommodate 16 passengers and two crew members and can be configured for a variety of mission needs.
