Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Bell announce plans to test Bell’s mobility systems in Oklahoma

July 14, 2020 | AUVSI News

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) and Textron subsidiary Bell Textron Inc. have established an agreement for Bell to begin testing some of its mobility systems such as the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport and the Bell Nexus on the CNO test site location in rural southeastern Oklahoma.

CNO, Bell and their partners will work with the FAA, NASA, and other federal agencies to “enhance emerging aviation technologies and operations to help the United States retain a global leadership position in aviation technology.”

“CNO became the obvious choice for flight test activity for Bell because of its proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth and their commitment to building facilities that support requirements necessary for these operations,” explains Carey Cannon, chief engineer, Innovation.

“In return, Bell is providing guidance to CNO on the creation of their Emerging Aviation Technology Test Center in regard to safety and efficient flight operations. We are excited to continue our collaboration with CNO around innovative solutions.”

It was announced in late 2019 that Bell had joined CNO’s UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) team. The team is performing flights and tests under the program in preparation for future planned beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and other more advanced UAS operations.

“The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is elated to collaborate with Bell as we continue to foster an environment for innovation and collaboration,” says James Grimsley, executive director of Advanced Technology Initiatives with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

“Bell is a well-established industry leader, and this relationship allows us to explore new possibilities and applications in this industry.”