Bell announced yesterday that the Federal Aviation Administration has certified the latest version of the Bell 407, clearing the way for the first customer delivery.
The 407GXi has been upgraded to improve pilot awareness, provide tools for more accurate navigation and enhanced engine control.
“This is an important milestone for the program and Bell is proud to announce the first delivery since the introduction of the Bell 407GXi earlier this year,” said Susan Griffin, Executive Vice President, Commercial business. “Our customers continue to compliment the aircraft's performance and enhanced all-glass digital cockpit.”
The Bell 407GXi incorporates new Garmin’s G1000H NXi Integrated Flight Deck avionics and an upgraded engine, The Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 dual-channel FADEC turbine engine is tuned for hot and high performancea and fuel efficiency, giving the 407GXi a cruise of 133 knots and a top speed of 140 knots.
The GXi can carry six passengers and has a useful load in standard configuration of 1043 kg and a cargo hook capacity of 1406 kg.
Chilean company Eagle Copters has taken delivery of the first 407GXi to enter service.