Bell Helicopter Textron launched the 407GX helicopter in March 2011. It is a new version of the Bell 407 helicopter, which was introduced in March 2008.
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The 407GX is a multi-role aircraft with superior performance. It was unveiled at the Heli-Expo in Orlando, Florida.
The helicopter was assembled at Mirabel in Quebec, Canada. It received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in October 2011.
The helicopter received the Transport Canada certification during the same year. It was also certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in June 2012.
Bell 407GX orders and deliveries
In May 2012, Bell delivered the first 407GX to the Canada-based operator Newfoundland.
In June 2012, a 407GX helicopter was delivered to Heliplus, a Belgium-based operator.
Bell delivered one 407GX helicopter to an operator based in Africa in August 2012.
In October 2012, Bell delivered two 407GX helicopters to Helicopter Flight Services. The helicopters will be used for tourist operations such as sightseeing, charter and aerial photography.
In December 2012, Bell was awarded a contract to supply 20 407GX aircraft to Air Methods. The helicopters will be used for transport of injured patients across the US.
Ukraine-based company Challenge Aero took delivery of one Bell 407GX in December 2012. It is a VIP-configuration helicopter that will be used for corporate transport.
In February 2013, LifeFlight Eagle ordered for two 407GX helicopters. The new helicopters are used for medical mission in Kansas city, replacing the existing analogue Bell 407s.
Bell Helicopter received an order from CareFlite for four single-engine Bell 407GX helicopters in June 2013. The helicopters are scheduled to be delivered in 2013.
Bell Helicopter delivered the first Polish Bell 407GX helicopter in August 2013. The helicopter will be operated at the Konstancin airfield near Warsaw.
Design of the multirole aircraft
The Bell 407GX is derived from the Bell 407. It is divided into three different sections: forward, intermediate and tailboom. Different materials have been used to manufacture the structures of these sections.
The first section is made of aluminium honeycomb and carbon graphite, while the second or intermediate section is a semi-monocoque structure made of longerons and carbon fibre composite side skins. The tailboom section is made of aluminium alloy.
The main rotor of the helicopter has four blades and the tail rotor has two blades. The main rotor of the helicopter is 10.67m in diameter.
The helicopter is installed with a 28V DC electrical system. It also has a nickel-cadmium 24V / 17A/hour battery, a 30V / 200A starter-generator and an optional 24V / 28A/hour battery.
Bell 407GX cockpit and avionics
The helicopter’s cockpit has space for two crew members.
The helicopter avionics features a new G1000H flight deck manufactured by Garmin. It is fitted with twin 10.4in high-res LCD screens, with a primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD). Two SD card slots provide storage for critical flight parameters.
The avionics suite includes enhanced situational awareness systems such as a traffic information system (TIS), moving map and a helicopter terrain avoidance warning system (HTAWS).
It also features ‘Pathways-in-the-sky’ and helicopter synthetic vision technology (HVST) provided by Garmin.
A Garmin 3D audio system is also part of the avionics suite. This enables cabin radios to be controlled by using spoken commands. The avionics suite also features a fuel flow indicator, cockpit voice recorder, flashing forward light and a radar altimeter.
Helicopter cabin design
The helicopter has a cabin volume of 85ft³. It consists of five ergonomically designed seats, which include three equal-width, forward facing-seats and two individual rearward-facing seats. The cabin’s floor is covered with low loop-blend carpet or optional vinyl floor covering. It has a baggage compartment with 16ft³ of volume.
Engine and performance
The helicopter is powered by a 250-C47B model single turboshaft engine, which was developed by Rolls-Royce. The engine is capable of producing more than 650hp. It also features a full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system, which is approved by the FAA.
The Bell 407GX variant can fly at an altitude of 5,370m with range of 611km. The maximum and cruise speed is 246km/h. The service ceiling is 5,698m. It has a standard fuel capacity of 484l. It has an empty weight of 1,242kg, and an operational gross weight of 2,381kg.
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