Bell Selected for Phase Four of Flight School Next Competition

Bell Textron Inc. advances to next stage of U.S. Army's training program

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:50pm

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An abstract, blurred image of a Bell 505 helicopter in flight, with vibrant streaks of color representing the speed and energy of the aircraft, conveying the excitement and innovation of the Flight School Next program.Bell's innovative solution for the U.S. Army's Flight School Next program promises to transform rotary-wing pilot training at Fort Rucker with cutting-edge technology and the power of the Bell 505 helicopter.Fort Worth Today

Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has been selected for the fourth phase of the U.S. Army's Flight School Next competition. During this phase, Bell and its team of partners will demonstrate their turnkey solution, which includes the Bell 505 helicopter and supporting technology and innovation, to the Army.

Why it matters

The Flight School Next program is a critical initiative for the U.S. Army to modernize its initial entry rotary wing (IERW) flight training at Fort Rucker. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and world leader in flight training, Bell's selection for this phase underscores the strength of its solution and its ability to transform Army flight training.

The details

During phase four, Bell and its teammates - DigiFlight, Delaware Resource Group (DRG), V2X, Alpha 1 Aerospace, Semper Fly and TRU Simulation - will demonstrate their turnkey solution to the Army. This includes the Bell 505 helicopter as well as the supporting technology and innovation that will enable the execution of the program. Bell and its team are also preparing for program implementation, ready to support the Army from day one.

  • The U.S. Army selected Bell for the fourth phase of the Flight School Next competition on April 7, 2026.

The players

Bell Textron Inc.

A subsidiary of Textron Inc. and an aerospace and defense company that engineers and manufactures aircraft for critical solutions in extreme scenarios.

Textron Inc.

A multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services.

John Novalis II

The strategic director for Flight School Next at Bell.

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What they’re saying

“Bell is proud to be selected for the fourth phase of the Flight School Next competition alongside our teammates. From the very beginning, our team set out to deliver the most cost-effective and low-risk solution for the Army's Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) program at Fort Rucker, leveraging Bell's unique position as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and world leader in flight training. Making it to this stage proves that Bell's solution is strong and we look forward to demonstrating our ability to execute.”

— John Novalis II, Strategic Director, Flight School Next, Bell

What’s next

During the fourth phase, Bell and its team will demonstrate their turnkey solution to the U.S. Army, showcasing the Bell 505 helicopter and the supporting technology and innovation that will enable the execution of the Flight School Next program.

The takeaway

Bell's selection for the fourth phase of the U.S. Army's Flight School Next competition highlights the company's expertise as an original equipment manufacturer and leader in flight training. Its innovative solution, which includes the Bell 505 helicopter and supporting technology, positions Bell to transform the Army's initial entry rotary wing flight training at Fort Rucker.