But Some Problems May Be Lurking

Bell Helicopter told attendees at this week's Heli-Expo 2007 in Orlando that 2006 was a great year for the Fort Worth, TX-based helomaker, as both commercial and military sales orders and deliveries increased.

"The increased demand for vertical lift aircraft continued to grow in 2006," said Bell Helicopter senior vice president of Marketing and Sales, Bob Fitzpatrick. "We expect the trend to continue and even accelerate in 2007."

In 2006, Bell Helicopter received a total of 402 commercial aircraft orders, with an upswing across the spectrum of Bell's product line, with the largest gains in the 412 and 206B-3 models. These orders led to an increase in Bell's backlog over previous years with the current value of $3.1 billion.

The military product line saw the V-22 tiltrotor meeting its delivery schedule, with a mix of Marine MV-22s and Air Force CV-22s delivered.

"We had a very good year and we look to an even better one in 2007," Fitzpatrick said. "But we never forget we owe our success to our tremendous customers. We listen to their needs and work with them to provide the aircraft they want. It is a great partnership."

There has been some bad news with the good, however... in that Bell may in danger of becoming a victim of its own success.

As Aero-News reported, a memo surfaced in January suggesting former CEO Michael Redenbaugh was shown the door due to parent company Textron's growing dissatisfaction over Bell's ability -- or lack thereof -- to maintain production levels in the face of those orders. The memo says Bell continues to struggle in delivering aircraft on-time and on-budget... especially to the US military.

Last month, one of Bell's two Armed Reconnaisance Helicopter prototypes (similar to type shown above) crashed onto a West Texas golf course during a test flight. Both pilots onboard came through the ordeal with minor scrapes and bruises, but the helo was totalled. Bell has since stated it is reviewing the program with the US Army.

During a question and answer session with reporters Wednesday, Bell acknowledged it is shelving its 417 program, the civilian helo on which the ARH-70 is based. The Bell 417 was introduced with great fanfare at last year's Heli-Expo.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com, www.rotor.com