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.
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