Rolls Royce To Provide Power; Air Evac Will Collaborate On Program

Big news from Bell Helicopter, on the day before the official start of Heli-Expo 2007 in Orlando, FL. Bell announced an upgrade program that will extend the life of over 1,000 Bell products in over 60 countries. The upgrade program will provide 206L1 and 206L3 customers with increased performance, increased reliability, and decreased operating costs.

Bell tells ANN the upgrade program utilizes existing 206L1 and 206L3 airframes and incorporates current 206L4 production parts, including the drive system. The marrying of existing airframe with modern, more efficient technologies leads to a reduced cost of operation. Compared to the cost of purchasing a new helicopter, Bell says this development will assure current 206 customers a ready supply of parts currently in production... and many more years of service from their Bell 206L.

"The 206 LongRanger Upgrade Program is not only testament to Bell Helicopter's exceptional customer support, but it affirms our commitment to provide modern improvements to ensure our customer's helicopters meet the ever increasing demands placed on vertical lift aircraft," said Dorith Hakim, Bell Helicopter's 206 program director. "I believe this will help sustain the Bell 206 in the marketplace for years to come."

Modernized aircraft will be known as 206L1+ and 206L3+.

Power systems provider Rolls-Royce will provide upgraded powerplants for the modernized helicopters. The 206L1 helicopter fleet, powered by the Rolls-Royce Model 250 engine, will receive the more powerful Model 250-C30P engine. Bell says the upgrade will enhance performance, increase payload, improve residual value, increase safety margins, and reduce direct operating costs.

"The enhanced performance and safety margins from this upgrade will offer value to owners and operators of the proven Bell 206L1 aircraft," said Scott Crislip, president Helicopters & Small Gas Turbine Engines for Rolls-Royce. "Bell Helicopter is one of our longest and most valued customers and here is another example of our great partnership over the last several decades."

Bell has also agreed to collaborate with EMS operator Air Evac Lifeteam on the development of the 206L Upgrade Program. Air Evac will upgrade 24 of its more than 75 206L1 and 206L3 helicopters between 2008 and 2009. Both companies are working towards certification of the modernized 206L1+ and 206L3+ by the end of 2007.

The upgrade program utilizes existing 206L1 and 206L3 airframes and incorporates current 206L4 production parts, including the drive system, providing 206L1 and 206L3 customers with increased performance, increased reliability, and decreased operating costs.

James Loftin, vice president of Aviation for Air Evac stated, "The enhanced performance and safety margins this upgrade offers provides our already reliable fleet of Bell 206L aircraft with unsubstantiated value. We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Bell Helicopter through this collaborative effort."

The Bell 206L1 and 206L3 helicopters have been flying for more than 30 years while setting the performance standard for single turbine light helicopters. Today, over 1,000 of these dependable Bell products are flying in over 60 countries.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com, www.rollsroyce.com, www.lifeteam.net/air11.html, www.rotor.com