Bell Helicopters

All posts tagged Bell Helicopters

Bell 429 Continues its Corporate VIP Success in Europe with Latest Purchase from World Aviation.

Posted by dgualdo on 10/03/2023
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2023 ... Atlanta, GA, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Atlanta, GA (7 March 2023)

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company today announced the signed purchase agreement for a Bell 429 to be operated by World Aviation, the Independent Representative (IR) for Bell in Spain.

The aircraft will be delivered to a private owner and operated for charter and corporate VIP transport in the Costa del Sol and other regions in the country.

The Bell 429 has proved popular for the corporate VIP mission in many of the most prestigious locations throughout Europe. The aircraft is operated in the French Riviera and the French Alps by Helisecurite, Wucher Helicopter in Austria, Starspeed in London, and in Greece and Cyprus. It has proved particularly popular in Switzerland where it is operated by HeliAlps, Airport Helicopter, Air Zermatt, and Centaurium Aviation. Bell has now delivered more than 90 429 aircraft in Europe.

“Those seeking an aircraft that offers class-leading transport, speed, smoothness and superior passenger experience needn’t look any further than the Bell 429,” said Alberto Delgado, CEO, World Aviation. “We’re thrilled to be facilitating the purchase of the first Bell 429 in Spain and we’re confident that both passengers and pilots will be delighted by the premium experience this aircraft delivers.”

World Aviation, based in Málaga, was established in 2014 and was appointed as a Bell Independent Representative in 2020. It specializes in passenger and cargo transportation, aerial work, and VIP transfers. Additionally, it offers pilot training, maintenance, engineering, and other operational services.

“The Bell 429 is continuing to showcase its breadth of abilities for our European customers – from mountain rescue in the Swiss Alps, to law enforcement in Sweden and soon passenger transport in the Costa del Sol,” said Patrick Moulay, senior vice president, International Sales, Bell. “The combination of twin engines, IFR capability and Bell’s BasiX-Pro integrated avionics means the 429 is able to fly in more locations and in a wide range of weather conditions, making it a highly versatile aircraft for the corporate VIP mission in Europe.”

The Bell 429 is a highly capable multi-mission twin-engine platform used globally for search and rescue, law enforcement, HEMS, and corporate transportation. Its dual Pratt & Whitney engines each deliver a max continuous 635 shp, enabling a max cruise speed of 278 km/hr, while its four-rotor blade system offers exceptional levels of smoothness and refinement when in flight.

For customers seeking an additional level of luxury, the Bell 429 can be specified with a Designer Series interior. This elevates the cabin experience by offering a choice of superior leather options, enhanced flooring, and metal finishes, as well as tailored consoles, door accent panels and headliner, among other bespoke touches.

There are 430 Bell 429 operating worldwide, with more than 600,000 global fleet flight hours between them.

Bell is exhibiting at HAI Heli-Expo 2023 from March 6 to 9, located in booth number B5504. On display will be the Bell 505, two Bell 407GXi and a Bell 429. To find out more about Bell’s presence at HAI, visit our show landing page.

Bell and Rotortrade look to provide pre-owned helicopter solutions.

Posted by dgualdo on 10/03/2023
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2023 ... Atlanta, GA, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Atlanta, GA. (7 March 2023)

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, and leading manufacturer of helicopters and vertical lift aircraft, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rotortrade, the leading global helicopter distributor, to define optimal pre-owned helicopter solutions to Bell and their customers.

Through this MOU, Bell and Rotortrade will explore how we can offer expanded trade-in solutions to its customers, making it easier to upgrade to newer aircraft model and offer more affordable, pre-owned solutions. Additionally, Rotortrade aims to expand its pre-owned inventory by adding more Bell aircraft to their fleet.

“Bell and Rotortrade are excited to explore a relationship that will provide a real advantage to our customers,” said Patrick Moulay, senior vice president, International Commercial Business, Bell. “Bell is eager to work with Rotortrade to offer customers trade-in solutions, such as the sale of the customer’s helicopter pre-arranged by Rotortrade when the order for a new Bell helicopter is placed, enabling the customer to seamlessly transition from the used aircraft to the brand-new aircraft. This MOU will allow us to develop a strategy to better serve our customers’ needs and expand our global reach.”

“We are excited about entering the next phase of these discussions with Bell,” said Philippe Lubrano, CEO of Rotortrade. “Our desire is to secure a steady flow of inventory to provide the best possible offerings to our customers. At Rotortrade, our vision has always been to transform the pre-owned market for the benefit of both buyers and sellers. This Memorandum of Understanding with Bell is a significant milestone in achieving that vision, as we work toward providing our customers with even more options and access to top-quality, pre-owned helicopters.”

For more Information, please visit the Bell website or visit our booth at HAI Heli-Expo 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.

HAI HELI-EXPO 2023 … approaching

Posted by dgualdo on 09/02/2023
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, Bell Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2023 ... Atlanta, GA, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Annual HAI HELI-EXPO event is approaching.

… get ready for the exibition in Atlanta, from 6th March.

Follow news and updates from dgualdo.it pages.

Safran and Bell to collaborate on sustainable aviation fuel initiative for Bell 505.

Posted by dgualdo on 15/03/2022
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2022 ... Dallas, TX, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Dallas, TX (March 9, 2022)

Safran Helicopter Engines and Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today a collaboration initiative to explore technical performance and economic impacts of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on the Arrius 2R-powered Bell 505.

A single, dedicated Bell 505 aircraft will conduct flights solely with the use of blended SAF. Both Bell and Safran Helicopter Engines will evaluate engine and aircraft performance data to better assess the collateral benefits associated with the incorporation of SAF, a significant tool being used to reach industry carbon reduction objectives.

Bruno Bellanger, executive vice president, Programs, Safran Helicopter Engines said: “We strongly believe in SAF, as it contributes to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. As all our helicopter engines, the Arrius 2R, is already certified to operate on up to 50% SAF, and we are fully ready to assist all Bell 505 operators worldwide in their transition from conventional fossil fuels to SAF”.

“Bell has championed the usage of SAF as one of our many critical efforts in achieving carbon emission reductions in our rotorcraft operations,” said Doug May, vice president of Customer Experience. “We look forward to working with Safran Helicopter Engines to gain a comprehensive understanding of SAF incorporation that will inform future aircraft technology and operations and ultimately support greener aviation practices.”

With all its engine range already certified to operate on up to 50% SAF, Safran objective is to certify in the coming years the use of 100% SAF, which can potentially result in carbon lifecycle emissions reductions by up to 80%. In 2021, Safran conducted ground test campaign for a Makila 2 running on 100% SAF, and followed this with successful flight tests.

Safran Helicopter Engines is strongly committed to reducing carbon emissions at its sites worldwide by incorporating SAF at all its test benches. Since last June, the manufacturer has been using it at every site in France, initially at a level of 10% of total aviation fuel usage, with a target of 50% by 2025. It has also recently deployed SAF to its UK facility at Fareham.

HAI Heli-Expo 2022 – Fly in images …

Posted by dgualdo on 07/03/2022
Posted in: HAI Heli-Expo 2022 ... Dallas, TX, Italian Helicopter NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The first images of the helicopters landing at Heli-Expo 2022 in Dallas, TX.

Thanks to HAI Public Relations and Communications department for these images of the two fly in days at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

HAI Heli-Expo 2022 – Dallas, TX

Posted by dgualdo on 04/03/2022
Posted in: HAI Heli-Expo 2022 ... Dallas, TX, Heli Events, Reportages, Photo Portraits, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Heli-Expo 2022 is about to open in Dallas, Texas.

Stay tuned for NEWS MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS, images from the Exibition Floor and all related informations.

dgualdo.it will publish regularly new articles, press releases and images.

Bell Announces Delivery of 300th Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.

Posted by dgualdo on 14/05/2021
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Fort Worth, TX, 11 May 2021

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the 300th Bell 505 Jet Ranger X delivery to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). The first Bell 505 was delivered in 2017, and today there are 300 aircraft in operation across six continents, with customers logging more than 70,000 global fleet hours.

“The Bell 505 is one of Bell’s fastest growing commercial programs to date, surpassing several significant milestones since its inception,” said Michael Thacker, Executive Vice President, Innovation and Commercial Business. “As we continue to see interest for the aircraft in Public Safety, Utility and Corporate transport, Bell has invested in new products and technologies to expand the Bell 505’s capabilities.”

The latest Bell 505 platform advancements include the Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite, Flight Stream, Autopilot, Lightweight EMS interior, Bell Public Safety configuration, Pulselite, FliteStep, LHS Baggage Door and Moveable Ballast.

“We are proud to take delivery of the 300th Bell 505 and expand our fleet capabilities.” said Lt. Col. Brian Lundy, commanding officer of the JDF Air Wing. “JDF and Bell have a strong history together and today’s delivery marks another milestone in our relationship.” The Force’s sixth Bell 505 will support Public Safety missions to serve the citizens of Jamaica and be operated by its Caribbean Military Aviation School (CMAS) to train the international rotorcraft pilots of tomorrow.

With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is Bell’s newest five-seat aircraft designed for safety, efficiency and reliability using advanced avionics technology. Its similarities with the Bell 429 platform allow for a smooth pilot transition as JDF begins training operations. With a Garmin G1000, the platform shares similar avionics with JDF’s Fixed Wing Trainer aircraft and reduces pilot workload, enhancing the students’ learning experience.

Italian Helicopter Register NEWS … Bell B505 Jet Ranger X I-ECRX, registered in August 2020.

Posted by dgualdo on 29/08/2020
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, Italian Helicopter NEWS, Italian Helicopter Register NEWS, Website NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

I-ECRX – Italian Helicopter Register NEWS

Bell B505 Jet Ranger X ( c/n 65133 ) I-ECRX
Bell B505 Jet Ranger X … Photo Page
ITALIAN ROTORS
Bell B505 Jet Ranger X ( c/n 65133 ) I-ECRX
Bell B505 Jet Ranger X … Photo Page

Thanks to Matteo FORGHIERI for these images af the second Italian registered Bell B505 Jet Ranger X I-ECRX operated by Elicompany. The images were taken in August 2020, during some maintenance activity at Budrione di Carpi (MO) mainbase.

Elicompany Flies Bell 505 More than 1000 hours in Less Than Year.

Posted by dgualdo on 19/06/2020
Posted in: Italian Helicopter NEWS, Website NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , .

BELL TEXTRON PRESS RELEASE – 12 June 2020

Elicompany’s Bell 505 flew 1000 flight hours in just 10 months.

As one of the most capable aircraft in its class, the Bell 505 Jet X Ranger is admired for its versatility, visibility, and reliability. And our customers know this all too well. Elicompany, an operator based in central and northern Italy, recognizes the benefits of owning and operating a Bell 505, evident through its 1000 flight hours in just 10 months. This continuous aircraft usage made the Italian company one of the top 10 high time 505 operators in the world – a true testament to our customer’s love for the platform.

Elicompany was founded in 1979 by its current CEO Calisto Forghieri. For more than 40 years, the operator has been known for its experience and knowledge in the helicopter industry. Their fleet includes more members of the Bell family with a Bell 427, Bell 407GX/GXP, and Bell 206. The company utilizes its large Bell fleet for passenger transfers, scenic flights, and aerial work including powerline and pipeline inspection missions for top oil and electrical companies in Italy.

“For our aerial work missions, we rely on very precise planning and we can only plan when you can count on the aircraft. The Bell 505 has proven to be very reliable for our missions,” said Cristian Forghieri, Elicompany. “As a pilot, flying with four people, equipment, and a full fuel tank in the 505 it’s remarkable to see how much power the aircraft provides to hover over worksites. The aircraft is quick with a light design making it the best aircraft for our missions.”

Through excellent engineering and design, our teams have built an incredible platform with a unique quality that customers recognize and respect.

“When you’re working with the 505, flying with it, you realize right away it was developed by Bell,” said Cristian Forghieri, Elicompany. “I’ve always loved Bell products. The quality, design, and Bell’s vision of developing and building its products. The team always knows how to make you feel like part of the family.”