Bell's Flight School Next Team: Revolutionizing Military Flight Training Together

The U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) program is a groundbreaking initiative that represents a bold step forward in preparing the next generation of Army aviation warfighters. Bell is proud to lead the charge in the competition for FSN and has assembled a team of industry-leaders to bring our turnkey-solution to reality. This team includes TRU Simulation + Training Inc., DigiFlight, Inc., Alpha-1 Aerospace, V2X, Delaware Resource Group, and Semper Fly. Leveraging our teammates, advanced learning technology and training methodologies along with the proven Bell 505, Bell’s proposed FSN solution aims to guide students through the three critical phases of their training: primary, instruments, and basic combat skills. Together, we will provide a cost-effective and low-risk training solution to the Army that produces highly proficient aviation warfighters.

Each teammate brings unparalleled expertise to deliver all elements of a robust flight training program including instructor pilots, aircraft maintenance, operations, curriculum development and simulation. Here’s what you should know about the team behind Bell’s FSN solution.

Bell Textron Inc.

Who we are: For 90 years, Bell has pushed the envelope to deliver purpose-built aircraft that supports customers across commercial and military markets. Beyond manufacturing, Bell has established itself as a world leader in flight training with the Bell Training Academy (BTA). The BTA has trained more than 140,000 aviators across the industry, preparing them for the most demanding mission environments.

What we have done: Bell has more than 70 years of history supporting military flight training with four highly regarded trainers including the H-13, UH-1H, Bell TH-67, and Bell TH-57. The BTA supports military customers around the world offering custom training solutions to fit their needs. Some highlights include:

• Provided helicopter training to the first U.S. Army pilots in 1946
• Supported TH-67 & TH-57 for more than 40 years of U.S. Army and Navy rotary wing training
• Delivered the Bell 505 and conducted instructional training for several esteemed foreign military training programs, including instructor pilot, maintenance test pilot, and instructor training
• Delivered the Bell 505 and conducted instructor pilot, maintenance test pilot, and instructor training for the Republic of Korea Training Helicopter (THX) Program

What we will do: Bell will leverage its unique position as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and prime contractor to partner with the U.S. Army and execute a modern IERW program alongside our teammates. Additionally, the BTA functions as a critical enabler responsible for training the instructor pilots and maintainers.

Bell is prepared to execute the FSN effort and will provide aircraft, facilities, and personnel required to successfully train aviation warfighters.

TRU Simulation + Training Inc.

Who they are: Backed by 35 years of simulation expertise TRU Simulation + Training Inc., a Textron Inc. company, and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc. and Bell Textron Inc., has a strong legacy of designing, manufacturing and supporting high-fidelity flight simulation systems for commercial, military and rotary-wing training. TRU specializes in end-to-end rotary-wing and fixed-wing simulation including:

• Full Flight Simulators (FFS)
• Flight Training Devices (FTDs)
• Operational Flight Trainers (OFTs)
• Virtual Reality (VR) devices

What they have done: TRU Simulation’s work across commercial along with U.S. Air Force, Navy and Army programs has strengthened its expertise in scalable architecture design, technology refreshes and advanced scenarios simulation tailored for their customers’ specific missions. Some highlights include:

• Developing and delivering the Multi-Engine Training System (METS) Ground Based Training System (GBTS) for the Naval Air Warfare Center – Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD)
• Providing next generation simulation in support of the Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) effort
• In collaboration with Textron Aviation Defense, the company delivers training systems for platforms such as the Beechcraft T6 and AT6

What they will do: TRU Simulation will work with Bell to deliver high-fidelity training systems for FSN. Specifically, the Veris Virtual Reality (VR) simulator ™, an innovative VR training device that expands access to realistic, cost-effective training for both commercial and military customers. The Veris is qualified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Level 7 Flight Training Device (FTD).

By reinforcing core skills early through high-fidelity simulation, TRU helps create a faster transition from ground-based training to live-flight instruction as students advance through Flight School Next.

DigiFlight, Inc.

Who they are: DigiFlight, Inc. was founded in 1999 as a veteran-owned small business with a clear mission: to deliver exceptional aerospace, cyberspace, and information technology services to the nation's most demanding customers. DigiFlight, Inc. specializes in:

• Integrated aviation training program development
• Instructional design
• Integration of advanced technologies in military flight training programs

What they have done: DigiFlight, Inc. has established a strong track record of supporting military training efforts, with expertise in rotary-wing aviation training programs serving both U.S. Army and allied nation requirements. Some highlights include:

• The DigiFlight / PM Apache Operator NET Team delivers initial AH-64D/E training to U.S. Army and allied personnel while developing and overseeing the curriculum, training materials, and devices supporting mission and weapon system operations.
• Developing and maintaining "Apache University," a web-based library of training tools for the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence

What they will do: DigiFlight will work with Bell on program development and the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

DigiFlight is well-prepared to execute Flight School Next, having built a comprehensive organizational infrastructure, assembled a highly qualified workforce, established strategic partnerships, and made targeted technology investments that directly align with the program's objectives.

Alpha-1 Aerospace

Who they are: Alpha-1 Aerospace supports the development and refinement of combat tactics for future conflicts for the U.S. Military. Alpha-1 offers tailored military training solutions designed to enhance warfighter aviation proficiency and survivability. Specifically, Alpha-1 specializes in:

• Academic courseware
• Aircrew qualification training
• Adversary replication
• Proprietary software tools
• Tactical military flight training

What they have done: Alpha-1 Aerospace has earned a reputation as the Department of Defense’s most reliable sparring partner, trusted coach, and continuous innovator in advanced aviation training. Some highlights include:

• Qualifying more than 100 U.S. Air Force pilots in the Bell 505 for the Introductory Flight Training – Rotary Wing (IFT-R) course in Dothan, Alabama
• Providing initial qualification and mission training for USAF Air Advisor pilots in the MD-530F in Temple, Texas

What they will do: Alpha-1 will work with Bell to provide basic and advanced warfighter skills Training for FSN. Their focus on operationally relevant, tactics-driven instruction will enable the Army flight school at Fort Rucker to produce highly capable, combat-ready aviation warfighters.

Alpha-1 is prepared to execute the warfighter skills training phase of the program. To hit the ground running, they are already investing in warfighter-focused planning and debriefing tools, mission-specific training scenarios, and comprehensive instructor and student reference materials to ensure a seamless, high-impact training experience that directly enhances warfighter readiness.

V2X

Who they are: V2X’s Aerospace and Defense Services division was founded in 1976 with a singular focus and an unwavering commitment to support US military aviation maintenance requirements, delivering aircraft readiness for warfighters worldwide. V2X specializes in:

• Full-spectrum Organizational-/Intermediate-/Depot-Level (O-/I-/D-Level) maintenance
• Maintenance, Modification, repair, and overhaul (MMRO)
• Operating four FAA Part 145 Repair Stations, Supply Chain Management (SCM)
• Engineering
• Flight operations for more than 1,600 fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft across 200 locations worldwide.

What they have done: V2X is a premier DoD aerospace MRO service provider supporting high OPTEMPO flight training operations with performance across multiple programs. Some highlights include:

• Providing aircraft maintenance support for the Advanced Helicopter Training School (AHTS) at NAS Whiting Field
• The service provider for the T-6 Contractor Operated and Maintained Base of Supply (COMBS) contract, supporting all Air Force and Navy T-6 Undergraduate Pilot Training aircraft.

What they will do: V2X will work with Bell to provide full-spectrum aircraft maintenance operations for FSN. Capabilities include flightline aircraft launch and recovery, scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance in the hangar, and depot-level aircraft repair and component overhaul.

V2X’s extensive experience supporting both military and FAA Part 145 requirements ensures our team is ready to perform from day one.

Delaware Resource Group

Who they are: Founded in 2002, Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma (DRG) is a large-scale integrator that has decades of experience delivering high quality support for the United States military along with international militaries. DRG has supported over 45 mission design series, including fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aircraft, vehicles, and training systems. Specifically, DRG specializes in:

• Training and instruction
• Supply chain management
• Project-based support
• Aircraft sustainment
• Logistics
• Maintenance support

What they have done: DRG has and continues to support Military flight training efforts by providing academic, simulation and live-flight instruction, courseware development, maintenance, and training support services. Some highlights include:

• Providing Instructor Services for F-15QA Aircrew and Maintenance Training
• Conducted Maintenance and Aircrew Training at Kirtland/Davis-Monthan/Andrews/Moody in Support of the Aircrew Training and Rehearsal Support Program (KDAM ATARS): CV-22, HH-60G, HC-130J, MC-130J, AC-130J, UH-1N, TH-1H

What they will do: Delaware Resource Group will work with Bell to provide multi-faceted operational support for the FSN program beginning with program transition. This will include supporting FSN maintenance, instruction, recruiting and hiring efforts, as well as operations and administration support.

To ensure a seamless transition from the current Army helicopter training program to FSN, DRG has already begun work to identify transition and operations requirements. Additionally, DRG developed multiple Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) supporting Bell’s strategy from program transition to execution.

Semper Fly Helicopters

Who they are: Semper Fly Helicopters provides helicopter training grounded in operational discipline, safety, and long-term pilot development. The company’s core strength is producing consistent, highly trained aviators by applying structured FAA Part 141 standards to daily instruction, evaluation, and progression.

Semper Fly operates a mixed training fleet that includes the Guimbal Cabri G2 and the Bell 206B3 and is actively planning to add the Bell 505 and the Bell 206L4. This fleet structure allows Semper Fly to support both piston and turbine training while preparing pilots for progression into larger, more complex aircraft and operational environments.

What they have done: Semper Fly operates as a fully FAA-certified Part 141 helicopter flight training program, offering approved courses at the Private, Instrument, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) , and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) levels. Some highlights include:

• Providing collegiate aviation flight training through its partnership with the University of Oklahoma
• Delivering specialized flight training services for federal customers

What they will do: Semper Fly will support Bell in the transition to the Bell 505 by focusing on pilots already trained within structured environments that emphasize clear standards, performance accountability, and disciplined progression.

Semper Fly Helicopters is prepared to execute Bell’s helicopter training program in support of Flight School Next by leveraging an established training operation built around standardization, instructor accountability, and disciplined program execution. The company’s focus is producing capable aviators who are prepared for the demands of modern Army Aviation from the earliest stages of training.

Conclusion

Together, this team will redefine Army flight training, ensuring warfighters are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in the complex and dynamic environments they will face.