Bell FCX-001

The Bell FCX‑001 is an experimental electric‑propulsion demonstrator unveiled by Bell Textron in 2023 as part of the company’s effort to explore zero‑emission rotorcraft. Built on a modified Bell 222 airframe, the FCX‑001 replaces the conventional turboshaft engine with a pair of high‑power electric motors driven by lithium‑metal‑polymer batteries housed in a purpose‑built fuselage section. The aircraft first flew on 28 September 2023 from Textron’s Mirabel test site in Canada, marking the first fully electric flight of a Bell‑designed helicopter. Its key features include a modular electric powertrain that can be reconfigured for hybrid or all‑electric operation, advanced fly‑by‑wire flight controls, and a lightweight composite airframe that reduces overall weight by roughly 15 percent compared with the legacy model. The FCX‑001 also incorporates a regenerative braking system that harvests energy during descent, extending flight endurance to about 30 minutes under typical test conditions. Bell positions the FCX‑001 as a technology demonstrator that will inform future production aircraft such as the proposed Bell 525 E‑VTOL. Its significance lies in demonstrating the viability of electric propulsion for rotary‑wing platforms, accelerating industry‑wide moves toward quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable aviation solutions.

Bell Textron

Classification

Design & Classification

External References