Bell Textron approves GE's RADS-NG for commercial helicopter fleet

CINCINNATI - GE Aerospace in Cincinnati announced that Bell Textron, Inc., a Textron Inc. company in Fort Worth, Texas, has approved the use of the Rotor Analysis Diagnostic System Next Generation (RADS-NG) across Bell’s fleet of commercial helicopters such as the Bell 505, Bell 429, Bell 412, and Bell 407.

"Enabling the use of RADS-NG will differentiate the Bell fleet of helicopters as a leader in cutting-edge vibration analysis," said Van Wilson, director of customer solutions at Bell. "The distinct advantage of performing regular, proactive vibration measurements and monitoring this data with GE Aerospace’s latest technological advancements will provide a real-time benefit in enhancing component life and passenger comfort."

GE Aerospace says the system reduces the number of flights needed for rotor track and balance operations, cutting pilot time and fuel costs. "One of our first operators reported a 10% torque savings after using RADS-NG," said Matt Burns, general manager of avionics for GE Aerospace.

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Burns added that the system was developed with input from Bell and other customers, allowing greater control over adjustment solutions and flexibility to support emerging aircraft designs, including tiltrotors, co-axial rotors, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Building on success

RADS-NG replaces GE Aerospace’s previous rotor track and balance solutions, RADS-AT and Aviation Vibration Analyzer (AVA). The portable system is designed for aircraft where permanent installation is impractical or to supplement existing systems.

The first RADS-NG unit was delivered in 2024 to Henley Air, which operates a fleet of Bell and other helicopters. GE Aerospace provided training and support for the system’s implementation and has since delivered additional units for use at Bell facilities in flight testing and pre-delivery inspections.

GE Aerospace says approximately 5,000 RADS-AT units have been deployed worldwide, supporting both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft such as the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The system is also designed to support next-generation eVTOL aircraft.