Helicopter To Receive Major Upgrade

HAI Expo 2004 was the perfect venue for Bell to unveil one of its major headlines of the week. Bell Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh announced the company's intention to go forward with an IFR version of the 427. The 427IFR will have several new features and some elements of Bell's MAPL technology program. Some of the more important features include more cabin room, a new state-of-the-art glass cockpit and new rotor technology offering increased performance.

Bell hopes these additions will make the 427IFR an attractive platform for the EMS and Homeland Security mission. The manufacturer also expects to expand the market for light twins in the offshore industry. Not forgetting about its current 427 customers, Bell claims many of the improvements made to the 427IFR will be available in kit form for current owners.

Bell is nearing completion of negotiations with its partners and expect to make a formal announcement about partnership details by mid-year. The company is also discussing initial sales with several prospective customers, including fleet purchase prospects.

The new glass cockpit features include:

• Integrated Avionics System
• Fully coupled 3-axis autopilot
• Pilot friendly instrument panel
• Room for growth and mission flexibility

A completely reworked rotor system will provide:

• Increased speed
• Improved altitude performance
• Decreased noise

Considered by some as an aircraft for the EMS mission, the 427IFR will provide increased volume in the cabin for comfort and improved patient access. The aircraft is capable of carrying two patients and two attendants or one patient and three attendants plus all required equipment.

"As we know, developing and producing a new aircraft is a very expensive proposition. Many millions had been spent on the 427 already," Redenbaugh said. "But because it was VFR it was precluded from operating in certain environments and markets. Our goal is to provide a 427 that meets all mission requirements in all mission profiles…VFR and IFR. The 427IFR will do that."

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.textron.com