Just what is behind the curtain? Nearly a decade of speculation surrounding trademark and patent filings, leaked inter-company memos, and rumors concerning a major new model may be coming to an end for Bell Helicopter. The company is set to make a big announcement at its booth (No. 9846) at 11:30 this morning here at Heli-Expo. The mystery was first referred to a “Project X” and later, “Magellan.” One Bell insider characterized the topic of the announcement as “a major departure.” Last month Bell CEO John Garrison said that, whatever Magellan is, it will be built at Bell’s plant in Amarillo, Texas.
UPDATE: Bell Helicopter did announce its new Bell 525 Relentless at Heli-Expo 2012 on Sunday, February 13. Go to the story here on AINonline.