Bell Textron Inc. has selected Honeywell Aerospace’ LED Landing Search Light for integration into the U.S. Army’s MV-75 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft.
The landing searchlight is a high-intensity system designed to consolidate multiple functions into a single unit, specifically engineered to reduce pilot workload during complex maneuvers. The LED lighting system has been optimized for the MV-75 FLRAA mission profile through advanced optical design, thermal management, and environmental protection. These improvements are intended to provide high performance while simultaneously reducing overall aircraft weight and long-term operating costs.
Rich DeGraff, president, Control Systems, Honeywell Aerospace, stated, “The MV-75 FLRAA is crucial for the U.S. Army and will provide the Army significantly enhanced speed, range and lethality. Our proven Honeywell LED Landing Search Light has been optimized to meet demanding mission needs throughout the MV-75 FLRAA contract and subsequent active-duty service that will last beyond 2050.”
Manufacturing of the new lighting version takes place in Urbana, Ohio. The design leverages components originally developed for commercial aviation, modified to meet the specific performance and installation criteria required for military application. The system also includes growth capabilities for future aircraft variants, such as a potential laser pro tracker for integration with electro-optical and infrared systems.
This selection follows previous announcements that Bell has chosen other Honeywell technologies for the FLRAA program, including the Honeywell Attune thermal management system and the 36-150 auxiliary power unit. The Attune system provides energy-efficient cooling for cabins and electronic components, while the auxiliary power unit serves as a secondary source for hydraulic and electrical power to ensure mission readiness.
The lighting technology is part of a broader product family that currently serves various platforms including business jets, regional transport aircraft, light fighters, and helicopters. This specific project is supported by work through the Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal.
