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."

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com