Bells on Demonstration Tour

Bell Helicopter’s latest creations–the 412EPI and 407GX–are touring Australia at the moment and making very good impressions on the rotary industry.

The two were in Melbourne this week doing demonstration flights from Essendon and Moorabbin, showing of the quality and capability that Bell aircraft have become known for.

Bell 412EPI

The 412EPI is the latest incarnation of the UH-1 Iroquois line, and in US Marine service carries the nickname “Super Huey.” The UH-1 heritage is obvious in the air frame shape and indeed the intended missions are similar, but with two PT6T-9s providing the power and four rotor blades, the 412EPI is markedly more capable.

With a cruise speed at 9500 feet of 132 knots and a useful load of 2190 kg, there is little the 412 can’t do, but is especially well-suited to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) missions.

Indeed, the timing of the Melbourne visit coincided with the Aeromedical Society of Australia and Flight Nurses Australia 25^th Scientific Meeting in the city.

Standard seating is 1+14 three rows with two seats at right angles either side of the transmission. Seating comes out with the pull of a few quick-release pins, so reconfiguration for the next mission doesn’t cost too much time.

The Bell 412EPI is rated for single-pilot operations into elevated helipads, such as those found on top of hospitals or on oil rigs. Normally, a second pilot is needed to for these types of ops to manage the aircraft if things go wrong at an awkward moment.

Bell 407GX

The new 407GX also owes heritage to another Bell classic, is this case the Jetranger. The 407GX is a corporate transporter that boasts limousine luxury in the back and a ride that is smooth and easy through the air.

The “magic carpet” effect in the back is courtesy of a four-bladed rotor bolted onto a Rolls-Royce 250 C47-B turbine and a power train derived from the military Kiowa. Adding to the back-seat experience is bulging windows that enable the pax to look straight down. And there’s cup holders …

Upfront, the 407GX is equipped with Garmin G1000H avionics in two screens. This makes the panel and cockpit uncluttered without leaving out any capability or innovation. One such innovation Australian Flying liked very much is the backward-facing reversing camera that lets the pilot clear their tail rotor on departure. Smart thinking.

With a max cruise of 133 knots and a useful load of 1024 kg, the 407GX is no slouch in performance, but it is the comfort of the ride that will impress those looking for a little luxury.

More information on these and other Bell Helicopters is available from Hawker Pacific.

Toll of the Bells