Bell and PhotonFirst sign MoU to mature fiber optic sensing for structural health monitoring on Bell aircraft
Washington, D.C., October 15, 2026
Bell Textron Inc. (Bell) and PhotonFirst Technologies B.V. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further explore and mature the use of Fiber Optic Sensing technology for advanced Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications on Bell aircraft. The signing took place during the annual NL-US Defense Industry Days conference.
Fiber Optic Sensing is increasingly being adopted as a next-generation sensing technology for SHM applications. Compared with conventional electrical sensors, optical sensors are inherently immune to electromagnetic interference, can withstand high temperatures and can significantly simplify installation. Multiple sensing points can be integrated into a single small, lightweight optical fiber, significantly reducing cabling, weight and installation complexity.
These characteristics make this technology particularly suited to monitoring structural integrity of aircraft structures and components throughout their service life. The collaboration between Bell and PhotonFirst will focus on maturing the technology and further advancing its integration into rotorcraft applications. The structural data generated can support the transition from scheduled inspections and preventive maintenance toward condition-based and predictive maintenance. This can help Bell’s customers increase fleet availability and reduce maintenance costs.
“Bell is excited to work with PhotonFirst and explore the use of Fiber Optic Sensing technology,” said Jeffrey Schloesser, senior vice president, Strategic Pursuits, Bell Textron Inc. “By working with PhotonFirst, Bell will find ways to increase sustainability and maintainability in support of our operators’ needs for high mission readiness.”
“For 20 years, we have been developing fiber optic sensing technology for some of the world’s most demanding environments. An aircraft structure is one of those environments, and succeeding there takes more than a good sensor. It requires the right approach to integration, installation and reliability. We’re proud to bring that experience to Bell and work together to turn structural data into better maintenance decisions,” said Leendert-Jan Nijstad, CEO of PhotonFirst.
About PhotonFirst
Headquartered in Alkmaar, the Netherlands, PhotonFirst Technologies B.V. develops fiber optic sensing systems for aerospace, defense and other harsh environments. Building on a 20-year track record, the company embeds optical fibers containing Fiber Bragg Grating sensors into structures and components to measure strain, temperature, pressure and shape. Its self-developed interrogators, built on photonic integrated circuits (PICs), are designed for reliable operation in demanding aerospace environments.
About Bell Textron Inc.
Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 90 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.
We're an aerospace and defense company that engineers and manufactures aircraft for critical solutions in extreme scenarios. We're breaking barriers in lifting people to safety across transportation, medical, rescue and military services, and leading the industry in future solutions that are fast, reliable and efficient.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with generations of employees who have served, many in a combat theatre of operation, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.