Bell demonstrates 429 capabilities to operators at Heli-Expo
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, has taken the Bell 429, the world's newest helicopter, to Heli-Expo for the start of a tour visiting operators around the world.
The light, twin-engine helicopter was shipped from the Bell Helicopter Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas. It arrived in Houston two days prior to Heli-Expo. There, Bell Helicopter pilots demonstrated the 429's best-in-class performance and design features to current and potential customers during Heli-Expo 2010. Those demonstrations will continue after that show.
"Customer response to the 429 has been extremely strong since its certification by Canadian, US and European authorities in mid-2009," said Bell Helicopter President and CEO John L. Garrison. "We're confident that as more customers get to experience its performance and unique features firsthand, they will want the 429 in their operations."
A second demonstration aircraft recently flew customers at the Singapore Airshow. That 429 flew to India for demonstration flights there after the show. The schedule then calls for the light twin to travel to Japan. There, one of the first customers for the 429, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, will introduce its unique capabilities to customers from May through September.
Certified as a single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR), Category A helicopter under the latest requirements of Part 27 airworthiness rules, the 429 is to enter service within weeks with its first customer, Air Methods Corporation. Air Methods will operate the aircraft for US emergency medical service operator Mercy One in Des Moines, Iowa.
Customers and attendees of Heli-Expo can see the 429 features that set new standards for helicopters in its class at a static display at Bell's Booth No.132.
Source: Bell
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