BELL

Founded in 1935 by Lawrence Dale Bell, the Bell Aircraft Corporation was an American aircraft manufacturer that became known for producing fighter aircraft during World War II. However, the company is most famous for developing the Bell X-1, the first supersonic aircraft, as well as many important civilian and military helicopters. Bell also played a key role in the development of the Reaction Control System for the Mercury Spacecraft, North American X-15, and Bell Rocket Belt. In 1960, Bell Aircraft Corporation was acquired by Textron Inc. and became Bell Textron. Today, the company continues to develop cutting-edge technologies and is a leader in the aerospace and defense industries.