Archives

All posts for the day March 7th, 2023

Polish National Police Signs Purchase Agreement for Four Bell 407GXis.

Posted by dgualdo on 07/03/2023
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2023 ... Atlanta, GA, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , .
  • New aircraft will grow the total number of Bell 407GXis on the PNP’s fleet to seven

PRESS RELEASE – Atlanta, GA (6 March 2023)

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company today announced the signed purchase agreement for four Bell 407GXi aircraft by the Polish National Police (PNP).

The helicopters will be purchased as part of the project “Safer on the roads – aerial supervision over the road traffic,” implemented with the use of funds from the Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment. The supplier is JB Investments Limited, Bell’s Independent Representative (IR) for Poland.

The four Bell 407GXi aircraft will join three aircraft of the same type which were delivered to the PNP in October 2020. The PNP also operates two Bell 206s and a Bell 412HP. With a total number of seven Bell 407GXi Polish National Police will become the largest user of this type of helicopter among other public institutions in Europe.

“In recent years, we have strongly focused on improving road safety and to achieve this, we are strengthening the technical potential of our formation. That is why we will want to use these four latest helicopters primarily to improve safety on the Polish roads. Ultimately, we want each of them to be equipped with an aerial observation system,” said Dariusz Augustyniak, deputy chief superintendent, Polish National Police.

As with the aircraft already delivered to the PNP, the new Bell 407GXis will come equipped with the Trakka Systems Total Solution Package which includes a searchlight, camera and moving map as well as downlink system and operator console. The system enables the crew to detect, identify and track vehicles, as well as estimate their speed.

“During the 30 years of our company’s operation, we have already delivered more than 50 aircraft for public tenders for various institutions, including the Polish Police. Now, thanks to our 15 years of experience working with Bell Textron, we have the honor to be a prime contractor for the delivery of another four Bell 407 helicopters,” said Magdalena Karska, board member, JB Investments Limited.

There are now 1,590 Bell 407 operating around the world, with 109 located in Europe. The aircraft has proved popular with parapublic operators, with 131 used globally for this mission.

“The decision by the Polish National Police to grow its fleet of 407GXis is testament to the industry-leading aftermarket service that Bell, and its maintenance partners is able to offer. We recognize the importance of minimizing downtime, and that’s why we work hard to ensure excellent parts availability and technical support for our customers,” said Patrick Moulay, senior vice president, International Sales, Bell.

The Bell 407GXi is powered by a Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 turbine engine featuring two dual-channel FADECs. This high-performance yet fuel efficient engine delivers impressive performance in hot and high conditions and delivers a cruise speed of 133 kts (246 km/h). The aircraft also features the latest Garmin G1000H NXi avionics, featuring high resolution LED displays, faster processing power and the ability to connect to tablets and smartphones.

COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS MODEL 234 MULTI-MISSION CHINOOK SELECTED BY THE KOREAN FOREST SERVICE.

Posted by dgualdo on 07/03/2023
Posted in: HAI Heli-Expo 2023 ... Atlanta, GA, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Aurora, Oregon: March 7, 2023

Columbia Helicopters, the world’s leading heavy-lift helicopter OEM, MRO, and operator, is pleased to announce it has been selected to provide the Korean Forest Service with a brand-new Columbia Model 234 Multi-Mission Chinook.

The aircraft will be used primarily for firefighting, both during the day and at night using NVGs. It will also provide external cargo lift, transportation services, and disaster response. In addition to the aircraft, the selection includes OEM aircrew and mechanic training, parts, special tools, and ground support equipment.

“We are pleased with the Columbia 234 Multi-Mission Chinook’s lifting and firefighting capabilities as well as how it can be rapidly reconfigured between missions,” says Ko, Ki-Yeon, General Manager. “It is an added benefit that Columbia can supply this helicopter as a brand-new aircraft with ongoing support.”

The world’s largest standard transportation category multi-mission super heavy-lift helicopter, the Columbia Model 234 Multi-Mission Chinook features a 25,000-lb (11,339-kg) lifting capability, internal and external cargo lift options, and 19- to 44-seat passenger capacity.

“The Columbia Model 234 Multi-Mission Chinook is a highly capable and reliable heavy-lift helicopter that can serve a variety of missions, making it cost effective over purchasing a small fleet,” says Michael Tremlett, President of Columbia Helicopters. “As the OEM, we are capable of manufacturing the Korean Forest Service’s helicopter to their exact specifications and provide ongoing support, which was an important factor for them.”

Discover the New Enstrom at HAI HELI-EXPO 2023.

Posted by dgualdo on 07/03/2023
Posted in: HAI Heli-Expo 2023 ... Atlanta, GA, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Atlanta, GA. 7 March 2023

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation invites all rotorcraft enthusiasts to discover the new and improved Enstrom at this year’s HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta.

The annual event features networking opportunities and hundreds of education courses with more than 14,000 industry professionals. A lot has changed for Enstrom since last year’s HELI-EXPO. New, visionary ownership has brought about company-wide revitalization.

We are ramping up production and reenergizing our current product line with new features we can’t wait to tell you about. “Enstrom is back and buzzing with activity,” said Incoming President Todd Tetzlaff. “We are looking forward to sharing the latest on our progress and where we are headed with our customers and anyone else who is curious about the new Enstrom.” Todd will be on the show floor this week alongside our new Chief Operating Officer Adam Richardson and new owner Chuck Surack.

We invite all HELI-EXPO guests to come and connect with Enstrom’s new leadership team in booth C2820. Todd, Adam, and Chuck each share a contagious passion for helicopters, a passion that will prove instrumental in crafting Enstrom’s next chapter. Two of Enstrom’s latest helicopter models will also be on display at our booth. We’re preparing to make several major announcements before the HELI-EXPO concludes Thursday. We encourage anyone unable to make it to the show in person to sign up for our newsletter at enstromhelicopter.com.