Bell Helicopters NEWS

Bell / Bell Textron NEWS

Bell Delivers SUBARU Bell 412EPXs to Two Southern California County Sheriff’s Departments.

Posted by dgualdo on 27/02/2024
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Anaheim, California (February 27, 2024) 

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the successful deliveries of three SUBARU Bell 412EPXs, two to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and one to San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, during HAI Heli Expo 2024.

“Bell is thrilled to partner with both San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as they expand their capabilities that will support the safety of Californian citizens,” said Lane Evans, managing director, North America. “The SUBARU Bell 412EPX continues to hold a well-established reputation of taking public safety missions to the next level.”

From airborne command to search and rescue, evacuations to special ops – the SUBARU Bell 412EPX is a highly sought after aircraft platform in the public safety field. With its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs., and ability to carry 5,000 lbs. with its cargo hook, the SUBARU Bell 412EPX allows operators to carry a variety of essential public safety supplies. The SUBARU Bell 412 EPX is also equipped with a robust main rotor gearbox with dry run capability, enabling operators to benefit from increased horsepower to perform operations more efficiently.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s SUBARU Bell 412EPX

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s aviation unit, Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA), completes nearly 6,000 public safety missions each year with its all-Bell fleet of emergency response helicopters, including four Bell 407GXis, three Bell 205s, and its newest addition of a SUBARU Bell 412EPX. ASTREA plans to use its SUBARU Bell 412EPX in conjunction with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) firefighters to combat wildfires within the region.

“We are working hard to have crews trained and ready for the upcoming fire season. We have found the SUBARU Bell 412 EPX to be a very capable aircraft that is delivering on its promises. The aircraft will allow us to improve our effectiveness during fire missions and allow for a greater margin of safety during hoist operations,” said Deputy Gary Kneeshaw, pilot, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.  

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs

As the lead aerial law enforcement agency for the largest county in the U.S. covering an area over 20,000 square miles, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department plans to utilize their two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs for critical law enforcement missions and emergency response assistance including wildfire management and search-and-rescue operations. Over 50 years ago, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit began its operations with their two Bell 47Gs and have since expanded their fleet to 17 aircraft, which includes two Bell UH-1Hs, a Bell 212, and the most recent purchase of two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs.

“The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is proud to work with Bell to facilitate the purchase of their first brand new rescue helicopters. Our Air Rescue program is a critical component to providing safety to the residents of San Bernardino County. Greg Maitlen, regional sales manager, and the team at Bell provided us with a product and customer service that exceeded our expectations,” said Lieutenant Brian Chambers, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Airbus – Air Corporate of Italy orders 43 Airbus helicopters at EBACE 2023.

Posted by dgualdo on 25/05/2023
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, Italian Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Geneva, 25 May 2023

Leading Italian business aviation operator Air Corporate has placed a firm order for 43 helicopters from Airbus on the concluding day of EBACE 2023.

The helicopters include 40 single-engine helicopters (H125/H130) plus three ACH160s from Airbus Corporate Helicopters in Line configuration with the Lounge package to add to two ACH160s already on order.

The contract is the largest commercial helicopter order booked by Airbus in Italy and will see the helicopters delivered over the coming years for a range of private and business passenger services as well as utility operations.

The Air Corporate board said in a statement: “We are experiencing a growing demand for the innovative ACH160 in the Italian market. The ACH160 is a beautiful, safe and comfortable helicopter and the Line configuration with Lounge package configuration guarantees elegance and, at the same time, excellent performance”.

“Equally the H125 remains the helicopter of reference for aerial work missions in Italy due to its unrivalled performance. The H130 is also enjoying great success in our country for tourist flights and passenger transport”.

Airbus Helicopters Head of Europe Region Thomas Hein said: “I would like to thank Air Corporate for its continued trust in our products. This order is the result of the years we invested in building and maintaining a strong business relationship with Air Corporate. I am proud of the success of Air Corporate in further expanding its fleet and the private business aviation sector in Italy”.

The latest announcement expands on 28 additional orders from Verona-based Air Corporate in recent years as part of an ongoing fleet expansion. In the past two years alone, Air Corporate has taken delivery of 17 Airbus helicopters, including the first of two twin-engine H135s.

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.

Bell Secures Wave of Bell 407GXi Sales in the UK and Ireland.

Posted by dgualdo on 08/03/2023
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2023 ... Atlanta, GA, World Helicopter NEWS.

PRESS RELEASE – Atlanta, GA (March X, 2023) 

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the signed purchase agreements for three Bell 407GXi – two in the UK to corporate customers and one in Ireland to Zeus Essential Holding Limited (Zeus), an Irish-owned global packaging solutions company. The signings were announced at HAI Heli-Expo.

Zeus is an innovative packing provider with operations in over 30 countries, including New Zealand, Australia, North America and Europe. The company provides sustainable packing solutions to customers in the industrial and transit, hospitality, retail food service, and agricultural industry.

“As an international business owner, I frequently travel between our locations across Europe and North America. The Bell 407GXi will allow me to manage business needs promptly, all while in a comfortable and reliable aircraft,” said Brian O’Sullivan, owner, Zeus. 

With more than six million flight hours and nearly 1,500 Bell 407s across six continents, the aircraft sets high standards for single-engine aircraft with its advanced technical features.

“In 2022, Bell had a successful year in the UK and Ireland. We are proud to support our customers’ needs and requirements in the region. The Bell 407GXi continues to be the chosen aircraft for corporate and VIP transportation across the world. This aircraft combines comfort and speed all while safely getting passengers to their destinations,” said Patrick Moulay, senior vice president, International Commercial Sales.

The Bell 407GXi is outfitted with the new Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 turbine engine equipped with two dual-channel FADECs, delivering exceptional hot and high performance, fuel efficiency and the ability to cruise at 133 kts/246 km/h. Garmin’s G1000H NXi Integrated Flight Deck, complete with high-resolution displays and faster processors, offers increased brightness and clarity, faster startup and map rendering, as well as connectivity to tablets and smartphones.

To find out more about the Bell 407, please visit the Bell product page or visit us this week at our booth during 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.

EUROPEAN ROTORS 2023 Will Build on Successes Of Its First Two Shows.

Posted by dgualdo on 04/03/2023
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, Bell Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2023 ... Atlanta, GA, Heli Events, Reportages, Photo Portraits, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – March 4, 2023

EUROPEAN ROTORS is preparing for its biggest show to date, building on the lessons learned from its first two editions. It is expanding from three days to four and moving from its first location in Cologne, Germany.

EUROPEAN ROTORS 2023 will take place in Madrid, Spain, 27–30 November in Hall 9 of the IFEMA MADRID Convention Centre—only 10 minutes from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (LEMD).

EUROPEAN ROTORS is organised by the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The 2023 event will be hosted by the Spanish Helicopter Association (ATAIRE) and produced by Helicopter Association International (HAI). EUROPEAN ROTORS also benefits from the strong support of market leaders, including Airbus, Bell, Boeing, Leonardo, Pratt & Whitney, Robinson, Safran, and others.

“We could not have been happier with the first two shows, and we know that our attendees and exhibitors agree with this assessment,” says Christian Müller, Chairman of EHA. “But as they say, the third time is the charm. EUROPEAN ROTORS is all about bringing the community together to exchange knowledge, learn from each other, and debate, with one joint goal: to improve safety in vertical aviation operations.”

The extra day of the show, on 27 November, will focus on safety by organising the EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium as a stand-alone event. It remains the flagship of the EUROPEAN ROTORS broad conference programme, presenting the latest rotorcraft and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) developments. The educational programme is augmented by certified training sessions, best-practice seminars, and hands-on presentations in the Rotor Safety Zone and workshops.

“EASA’s primary focus is safe flight throughout the European Union,” says David Solar, Head of the General Aviation and VTOL Department for EASA. “This event allows us to work directly with the manufacturers, suppliers, operators, and individuals in this industry. We use this show to collaborate with everyone on developing the latest and smartest safety programmes.”

Tickets to the EASA Symposium include coffee breaks and a networking evening on 27 November. Symposium attendees will also receive a free three-day pass to the EUROPEAN ROTORS show floor, open from 28–30 November.

The 2022 EUROPEAN ROTORS show featured more than 211 exhibitors from 57 countries, and organisers predict an even larger event in Madrid. “The 2023 show is selling extremely well, with a much larger number of booths already reserved by our previous participants,” says Müller.

A primary feature of the educational programme at EUROPEAN ROTORS remains the three stages with silent conferencing, offering three full days of topics covering all aspects of rotorcraft operations, challenges, and research. The adjoining conference centre is the location for training, workshops, and customer briefings by the industry. In addition, EASA will contribute to other panels and workshops held at the conference centre and on the show floor. In the static display, EASA will co-organise the expanding Rotor Safety Zone, which this year will include ESPN-R hoist group training.

Rotorthon, the EUROPEAN ROTORS talent event, will take place again this year. This educational programme for students, including online and in-person teams, challenges them to innovate and solve various pressing issues in the VTOL industry. Example topics are concepts for the next generation of VTOLs, public acceptance of urban mobility, support for disaster relief, joint use of drones and rotorcraft for the same mission, and much more. Information as to the 2023 Rotorthon programme will be available soon. This year, more teams will be allowed to apply, and the selection of the three finalist teams for each challenge will include public votes posted via social media.

EUROPEAN ROTORS continues to cover all aspects of the rotorcraft industry—its many stakeholders, new technologies, innovations, and methodologies. Mission types include helicopter air ambulance and search and rescue, police and public safety, aerial work and disaster relief, passenger transport, and smart urban air mobility.

Exhibitors at HAI HELI-EXPO 2023 are encouraged to visit the EUROPEAN ROTORS sales lounge at Booth #B4457 during the show to learn about all the additional opportunities. “We invite everyone interested in our unique event to come by and learn more,” says Müller. “They will see that we are getting close to filling our space, and we have a special 10 % discount for exhibitors who book their booth during HAI HELI-EXPO.” This offer ends on March 9.

About EUROPEAN ROTORS

EUROPEAN ROTORS: The VTOL Show and Safety Conference brings together every aspect of the rotorcraft industry in Europe. The event sees the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) coming together to bring to the VTOL industry its most significant trade event outside of the United States. With three parallel conference streams and dedicated areas for eVTOL, autonomous operations, and other key future technologies, EUROPEAN ROTORS is already the go-to event for European suppliers of rotorcraft, parts, services, and every other aspect of the industry.

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.

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.