Handover Ceremony Attended By Sen. Hutchison And Rep. Burgess

Bell Helicopter has just delivered three new Bell 407 helicopters to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in ceremonies at the company's Commercial Customer Center at Alliance Airport just north of Fort Worth (TX).

The Bell 407 is a single-engine turbine powered, seven-passenger helicopter.  The value of the three aircraft is approximately $5 Million. 

In prepared remarks, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) praised the DEA for its important service to the nation, adding her confidence the three new helicopters will increase the agency's capabilities.  Also attending the event was Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) whose Congressional district includes Alliance Airport. DEA Aviation Division's Special Agent-in-Charge William Brown accepted the aircraft on behalf of the agency.

Michael Redenbaugh, Chief Executive Officer of Bell Helicopter said, "We are not only very proud to provide these excellent aircraft to the DEA, but I am also pleased to note the deliveries are ahead of schedule. We are confident the rugged reliability of these Bell 407 helicopters will help the DEA to accomplish their missions which are so vitally important to our nation."  

The Bell 407 was selected by the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in August 2004, to fulfill a pressing requirement for a new light utility helicopter. The requirement specified that the helicopter's airframe, power plant, and major components must be manufactured and assembled for rugged operation. Bell has long understood how such a demanding mission environment requires exceptional product reliability, support, and performance.   

The Bell 407 is one of most popular and reliable aircraft in the commercial helicopter market. Since its FAA certification in February of 1996, Bell has delivered over 625 of the aircraft to customers throughout the world, making it the fastest selling turbine powered helicopter in history. The 407 has proven to be a great helicopter for customers in virtually every conceivable helicopter market including corporate, law enforcement, EMS, electronic news gathering and utility. Operators fly Bell 407 helicopters in well over 40 countries around the world. The current 407 fleet of helicopters has logged over 1.25 million flight hours.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.textron.com