Safran Landing Systems is to develop the landing gear system for Bell's tiltrotor, the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) project.

Safran, the world's second largest aircraft equipment manufacturer, employs around 950 people at its base at Staverton.

According to the contract, Safran Landing Systems will design and develop the fully integrated landing system. These shared efforts will establish solid foundations to meet all future requirements.

The US Army announced selecting Bell at the end of 2022.

François Bastin, CEO of Safran Landing Systems, said: "We are very proud to officially announce our participation in the program as members of the team.

"Safran is honoured to be part of this project to develop a system based on the requirements of the US Army.

"Safran Landing Systems has been a committed partner to this program since 2018 and we greatly appreciate Bell's trust in our ability to develop an innovative landing gear system that will enable the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft to perform critical missions."

Building on 80 years of expertise and an ongoing commitment to innovation, Safran Landing Systems says it has all the capabilities needed to support the increasing complexity and technological requirements of military aircraft.