Bell's Civilian 407GX And Paramilitary 407AH

Several months ago, at the HAI 2011 'Heli-Expo' Convention, Bell helicopter unveiled their latest derivatives of the 407 airframe... itself an heir to decades of Bell helo development. The Bell 407GX is a new version of the 407 equipped with a Garmin G1000H Integrated Flight Deck. The Garmin G1000H glass flight deck features, as standard, two 10.4" high-resolution LCD displays with an intuitive, easy to scan layout and an integrated avionics system that presents flight instrumentation, position, navigation, communication, and identification information. Integrated safety attributes include Traffic Information System (TIS), HSVT Synthetic Vision Technology, "Highway in the Sky", moving NAV map,  Helicopter Terrain Avoidance Warning System (HTAWS) and range ring. There are also engine and crew alerting systems including power situation indicator (PSI) and fuel flow, and automatic power assurance check. The advanced suite also features critical flight parameter storage on a SD card for post flight analysis.

There are numerous optional kits that can be added to the already outstanding standard 407GX for even more extraordinary performance. These integrated options include Garmin GDL 69AH XM Weather and Radio; Garmin GDL 59H Datalink and Flight Parameter Recorder; Garmin GSR 56H Iridium Voice/Data Transceiver; Garmin GTS 800 Traffic Advisory System (ADS-B In Capability); ELT; Radar Altimeter; and more. The 407GX, as well as the entire 407 family, includes such operational features as a choice of maximum internal gross weights, high main rotor clearance (8 ft), excellent hover performance, powerful FADEC controlled engine, comfortable seating for seven, and optional Quiet Cruise kit.  Blade fold capability, cargo hook, and a host of OEM kits and customizing offerings make this aircraft ready for any mission.

The armed version of the 407 helicopter is designated 407AH. The 407AH comes equipped with a baseline law enforcement package that can be customized with multiple weapon configurations.  Before customization, the 407AH is already fully mission-capable a in a highly optioned configuration to perform a variety of functions such as search and rescue, enforcement and pursuit. The 407AH's initial weapon system includes the Dillon 7.62mm M134T Minigun as well as the M260 2.75" seven shot Rocket Launching System.  In addition, extensive customization is available through Bell Helicopter's Piney Flats facility. Options include: Chaff/Flare controller for counter measures, sliding doors in the rear that allows for personnel or cargo transportation, cargo hook for search and rescue capability, crew seat armor, among others. The 407AH comes equipped with a number of safety features such as AAI Bulged Skylights Kit, AAI Inlet Barrier Filter with access door, AAI Wire Strike Protection System and Meeker Quick Release Pins for Crew Doors.

Copyright 2011, Aero-News Network, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews