Sagem Avionics, Bell Partner On Controls

Dallas-based Sagem Avionics announced a partnership with Bell Helicopter Textron to provide autopilot flight controls.

Bell selected the Sagem Trims and SMART servo actuators for future digital autopilot applications. The Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (Bell 407 variant) and Bell 429 will be the first models equipped with seven to twelve actuators per aircraft.

While SAGEM autopilots have been  available for retrofit in Bell 206B and Bell 407 aircrafts, this is the first time for Sagem products to be forward fit into production of Bell products.  "We are extremely proud that Sagem products were recognized by Bell to join them in delivering the world's next generation helicopter capability,” said Jean Baudin, Sagem Avionics CEO.

Sagem Avionics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sagem Défense Sécurité, a company of France’s Safran Group.