Bell helicopters will receive helicopter blades and skin core assemblies built by Kaman Corporation under a new five-year contract.

Under the $53m contract, Kaman will offer 18 different assemblies for H1, 406, 407, 412, 427, 429, 430 and BA609 aircraft.

Bell Supply Chain Management senior VP Mary Simmerman said that Kaman has the skills and competitiveness Bell requires in the composite blade-manufacturing arena.

Initial deliveries will begin in late 2009.