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Innovating Aerospace: How Bell and Siemens Leverage Capital Software

Bell Textron, Inc., a leading manufacturer of rotary-wing aircraft, showcased its innovative approach to electrical system design at the Farnborough International Air Show. Bell and Siemens both exhibited in 2024, and visitors to the Textron pavilion had the opportunity to learn about how Bell is harnessing Siemens’ Capital software to streamline its processes and improve efficiency.  

Capital software is an advanced suite of products designed for managing electrical systems and wire harnesses. Built to handle the complex demands of modern aerospace projects, it offers comprehensive support throughout the entire lifecycle of an aircraft – and it has played a role in enabling Bell to deliver high-quality, reliable helicopters that meet the evolving demands of the aerospace industry. 

Generative design and modern avionics  

Siemens’ generative design technology is an enhancement to the electrical system design processes. This innovative approach, while not entirely new, has proven to be a game-changer for the aerospace industry. 

“You know, many people think that generative design is a new technology,” said Anthony Nicoli, Aerospace Senior Director at Siemens for the Lifecycle Collaboration Software division. “In reality, it’s been around for decades, and companies like Bell Helicopter adopted it early.” 

Bell has streamlined its wiring design for its commercial helicopters. Capital’s generative design capabilities have enabled Bell to: 

  • Optimize system integration: Quickly evaluate alternative architectures to minimize weight and optimize performance. 
  • Accelerate design cycles: Easily assess the impact of changes early in the process, reducing costs and efforts. 
  • Streamline documentation: Generate wiring diagrams automatically, reducing time spent on manual tasks. 

Fueling Aerospace Innovation 

Siemens’ Capital software has proven to be a valuable asset for Bell Helicopter, demonstrating the potential of advanced technologies to drive innovation and efficiency in aerospace product development. As the industry continues to evolve, the use of generative design and other cutting-edge tools will likely become even more essential. 

Learn more about how Siemens Capital is enabling rapid time-to-market with innovative, reliable and high-quality products in the aerospace industry

Read more in our whitepaper: A closer look: Next generation electrical system platform development 


Sarah Bartash

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This article first appeared on the Siemens Digital Industries Software blog at https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/ee-systems/2025/01/28/bell-and-siemens/