427i Agreement Signed By Bell, KAI, Mitsui

Bell Helicopter has reached separate agreements with Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd (KAI) and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Company Ltd. for a collaboration to develop, certify, produce and market the 427i light twin IFR helicopter for the world market.

The final signatures were affixed to documents at a meeting in Maui, Hawaii, last Saturday. Representing Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd at the signing ceremony was Lee, Kwang Kil, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Government Programs, for KAI. Signing for Bell Helicopter was Max Wiley, Executive Director for Asia sales. Akira Aomura, President of Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Ltd. had signed a separate agreement with Bell earlier this month at Bell's new commercial business headquarters at Alliance Airport in Ft. Worth.

Mike "Red" Redenbaugh (right), CEO of Bell Helicopter Textron, said "The completion of these agreements means that together, Bell, KAI and Mitsui, will be able to develop the best light twin helicopter in the business. We listened to our customers, did our research and are now in a position to move forward with the 427i. The strong indication of support already seen from our customers with over 42 orders signed and 20 more expected by the end of the year clearly says we have responded correctly to their inputs."

The new 427i will have IFR capability as well as increased cabin size and performance over the current 427 VFR. New technologies, improved design and the availability of numerous options and configurations all come together to deliver an aircraft with high cruise speeds, exceptional single engine capability, superior endurance and best in class ride quality along with ruggedness, reliability and safety. The 427 is a superior aircraft which delivers on its promise.

427i Preliminary Specifications

• 8 Place - Twin Engine
• Maximum Gross Weight:
• Internal 7,000 lb 3182 kg
• External 7,000 lb 3182 kg
• Useful Load 2,700 lb 1227 kg
• Max Cruise Speed: 142 kn 264 km/h
• Maximum Range 365 nm 676 km 

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.textron.com