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.