Eagle Copters International has secured FAA certification for a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that improves performance in Bell 407s.
The STC is for the Eagle 407HP, a Bell 407 with a Honeywell HTS900 turbine rather than the standard RR C47 engine.
According to Coffs Harbour company Eagle Copters Australasia, the Honeywell engine improves hot-and-high performance.
"Among the advantages offered to operators seeking better performance from the Bell 407, the Eagle 407HP conversion introduces increased shaft horsepower, improving the payload capability and ultimately resulting in increased capabilities of the helicopter over a wider operating spectrum," the company's announcement states.
"Additional benefits include increased speed, reduced fuel consumption, and the incorporation of a true dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system."
Conversions will initially occur at Eagle's Calgary facility, followed by the Coffs Harbour, NSW, plant mid-2015.
More information is available on Eagle Copters Australasia's website.