HTS900 Engine Was Chosen By Eagle Copters For Its Re-Engine Program For The Bell 407

The re-engined Bell 407, which has been designated the Eagle 407HP, has successfully completed ground testing and is now in the final steps toward Transport Canada and Federal Aviation Administration certification. The Eagle Copters aircraft is powered by Honeywell's HTS900 turboshaft engine. The concept of this engine conversion program originated in 2009.

The Bell 407 helicopter is considered to be one of the most versatile helicopters in operation today, and operators are searching for better performance and reduced maintenance costs. Eagle Copters is replacing the incumbent turbine engine with the HTS900 turbine engine to improve the 407's performance at high altitudes and hot ambient temperatures (high/hot capabilities), reduce fuel consumption by 8 to10 percent over the incumbent engine, and lower direct engine maintenance costs due to longer lasting components and lower replacement costs when spares are required.

The Honeywell HTS900 engine incorporates numerous next-generation technologies and produces an excess of 1,000 shaft horsepower at takeoff. This significant increase in shaft horsepower improves the payload capability of the helicopter by an estimated 30 percent at 12,000 feet, resulting in increased helicopter capability over a wider operating spectrum.

(Image courtesy Eagle Helicopters)

FMI: www.honeywell.com, www.eaglecopters.com