RASSEGA
19 Mar 04, 09:45
HAI 2004, Las Vegas, Nevada, (March 14, 2004) - Bell Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh today announced Bell's intention to go forward with an IFR version of the 427. "We are nearing completion of negotiations with our partners and expect to make a formal announcement about partnership details by mid-year. Bell is also discussing initial sales with several prospective customers, including fleet purchase prospects.”
He continued “The key message about the 427IFR is Bell’s commitment to the commercial market by our investment in the 427 to make it meet customer requirements. It was designed for our customers with their direct input. Over two years of study and evaluation have gone into producing what will be a great single pilot IFR rated light twin.”
Mr. Redenbaugh continued; “As we know, developing and producing a new aircraft is a very expensive proposition. Many millions had been spent on the 427 already. Our customers that have already bought the 427 have seen that it performs extremely well. The customers that use the aircraft find it very reliable for their mission expectations and they are very pleased with it. But because it was VFR it was precluded from operating in certain environments and markets. Our goal is to provide a 427 that meets all mission requirements in all mission profiles…VFR and IFR. The 427IFR will do that.”
The 427IFR will have many new features and some elements of Bell’s MAPL technology program. Some of the more important ones include more cabin room, a new state-of-the-art glass cockpit and new rotor technology offering competitive performance. These additions will make the 427IFR an excellent aircraft for the EMS and Homeland Security mission, able to fly in IFR conditions and operate at higher altitudes. Bell also expects to expand the market for light twins in the offshore industry.
The glass cockpit features include:
Integrated Avionics System
Fully coupled 3-axis autopilot
Pilot friendly instrument panel
Room for growth and mission flexibility
A completely reworked rotor system will provide the operational margins needed for vital missions. It will provide:
Increased speed
Improved altitude performance
Decreased noise
Always considered a prime aircraft for the EMS mission, the 427IFR will provide the features and capabilities that will make it the aircraft of choice. Increased volume in the cabin provides for comfort and improved patient access in the EMS configuration. Capable of carrying two patients and two attendants or one patient and three attendants plus all required equipment, the 427IFR has the power and performance to get the job done better than any competitor.
Not forgetting about current 427 customers, many of the improvements made to the 427IFR will be available in kit form for current owners.
He continued “The key message about the 427IFR is Bell’s commitment to the commercial market by our investment in the 427 to make it meet customer requirements. It was designed for our customers with their direct input. Over two years of study and evaluation have gone into producing what will be a great single pilot IFR rated light twin.”
Mr. Redenbaugh continued; “As we know, developing and producing a new aircraft is a very expensive proposition. Many millions had been spent on the 427 already. Our customers that have already bought the 427 have seen that it performs extremely well. The customers that use the aircraft find it very reliable for their mission expectations and they are very pleased with it. But because it was VFR it was precluded from operating in certain environments and markets. Our goal is to provide a 427 that meets all mission requirements in all mission profiles…VFR and IFR. The 427IFR will do that.”
The 427IFR will have many new features and some elements of Bell’s MAPL technology program. Some of the more important ones include more cabin room, a new state-of-the-art glass cockpit and new rotor technology offering competitive performance. These additions will make the 427IFR an excellent aircraft for the EMS and Homeland Security mission, able to fly in IFR conditions and operate at higher altitudes. Bell also expects to expand the market for light twins in the offshore industry.
The glass cockpit features include:
Integrated Avionics System
Fully coupled 3-axis autopilot
Pilot friendly instrument panel
Room for growth and mission flexibility
A completely reworked rotor system will provide the operational margins needed for vital missions. It will provide:
Increased speed
Improved altitude performance
Decreased noise
Always considered a prime aircraft for the EMS mission, the 427IFR will provide the features and capabilities that will make it the aircraft of choice. Increased volume in the cabin provides for comfort and improved patient access in the EMS configuration. Capable of carrying two patients and two attendants or one patient and three attendants plus all required equipment, the 427IFR has the power and performance to get the job done better than any competitor.
Not forgetting about current 427 customers, many of the improvements made to the 427IFR will be available in kit form for current owners.