Spirit AeroSystems, with manufacturing facilities in Wichita, Tulsa, and locally in Chanute will benefit from the US Army’s decision to award a $1.4 billion dollar contract to Bell Textron Inc. to build the Army’s future long-range assault aircraft.

Although Bell Textron, based out of Wichita, will lead in the development and manufacture of the US warfighter, Spirit AeroSystems produces the aircraft’s fuselage.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, who is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, congratulated Textron and Spirit Aerosystems. Moran went on to say that the Army’s decision was a testament to the vital role Kansans play in our national security.