Bell 407GX For Civilian Market, And The Paramilitary 407AH
Bell Helicopter introduced two new variants of its 407 platform
Sunday; the civilian 407GX and the paramilitary 407AH.
Bell 407GX Unveiling
The 407GX is a new version of the Bell 407 equipped with the
innovative Garmin G1000H Integrated Flight Deck. The Garmin G1000H
glass flight deck provides critical flight information at a glance
for greater situational awareness, improved operational capability
and increased safety. The advanced cockpit features, as standard,
two 10.4" high-resolution LCD displays with an intuitive, easy to
scan layout and an integrated avionics system that presents flight
instrumentation, position, navigation, communication, and
identification information. Integrated safety attributes include
Traffic Information System (TIS), HSVT Synthetic Vision Technology,
"Highway in the Sky", moving NAV map, Helicopter Terrain
Avoidance Warning System (HTAWS) and range ring. There are also
engine and crew alerting systems including power situation
indicator (PSI) and fuel flow, and automatic power assurance check.
The advanced suite also features critical flight parameter storage
on a SD card for post flight analysis.
"The Bell 407 was already an industry leading helicopter
offering superior performance, exceptional passenger comfort and
enhanced safety characteristics," said Larry D. Roberts, Senior
Vice President, Commercial Business, Bell Helicopter. "The
407GX's next-generation cockpit combined with the aircraft's rugged
airframe will make it the first choice for those who place their
highest value requirements on safety and performance."
There are numerous optional kits that can be added to the
already outstanding standard 407GX for even more extraordinary
performance. These integrated options include Garmin GDL 69AH XM
Weather and Radio; Garmin GDL 59H Datalink and Flight Parameter
Recorder; Garmin GSR 56H Iridium Voice/Data Transceiver; Garmin GTS
800 Traffic Advisory System (ADS-B In Capability); ELT; Radar
Altimeter; and more.
"The technology found on the Bell 407GX is unique in the
helicopter industry," said Gary Kelley, Vice President,
Marketing,Garmin International. "While many of these features can
be found on fixed wing aircraft, the highly scalable G1000H takes
cockpit operations and safety technology to the next level."
The well-appointed 407GX, as well as the entire 407 family,
includes such operational features as a choice of maximum internal
gross weights, high main rotor clearance (8 ft), excellent hover
performance, powerful FADEC controlled engine, comfortable seating
for seven, and optional Quiet Cruise kit. Blade fold
capability, cargo hook, and a host of OEM kits and customizing
offerings make this aircraft ready for any mission.
Bell 407 AH
The armed version of the 407 helicopter is designated 407AH.
It's the first Bell-qualified armed commercial aircraft across the
market and is designed to support a wide range of law enforcement
and paramilitary missions worldwide. The announcement took place at
Heli-Expo 2011.
The 407AH, which benefits from the proven reliability and
performance of the Bell 407, comes equipped with a baseline law
enforcement package that can be customized with multiple weapon
configurations. Before customization, the 407AH is already
fully mission-capable a in a highly optioned configuration to
perform a variety of functions such as search and rescue,
enforcement and pursuit.
"This is another example of Bell Helicopter responding directly
to customer needs," said Larry D. Roberts, Senior Vice President,
Commercial Business, Bell Helicopter. "We are gratified that we
could bring such a superior product to market in such a short time
with such a significant impact. The 407AH is a
high-performance platform with exceptional maneuverability, speed,
payload and range. It will meet the needs of a variety of
parapublic agencies at a cost that is far less than that of a
similarly equipped military aircraft - but with increased
lethality."
The 407AH's initial weapon system includes the Dillon 7.62mm
M134T Minigun as well as the M260 2.75" seven shot Rocket Launching
System. In addition, extensive customization is available
through Bell Helicopter's Piney Flats facility. Options include:
Chaff/Flare controller for counter measures, sliding doors in the
rear that allows for personnel or cargo transportation, cargo hook
for search and rescue capability, crew seat armor, among
others.
The 407AH comes equipped with a number of safety features such
as AAI Bulged Skylights Kit, AAI Inlet Barrier Filter with access
door, AAI Wire Strike Protection System and Meeker Quick Release
Pins for Crew Doors.
The first 407AH demonstrator aircraft was revealed Sunday at
Heli-Expo 2011, and will be on display there until March 8, 2011. A
second aircraft is currently completing expanded weapons
integration testing. After the show, the 407AH will embark on an
international demonstration tour that will last several months.
Destinations include Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Europe,
in addition to the United States.
"Bell Helicopter's legacy in the parapublic market is well
established," said Roberts. " Until now, this type of armed
helicopter was only available from our military sector. With
the 407AH, Bell Helicopter will change the game in the armed
commercial helicopter space as well."