Bell 407GT is a light attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron. The helicopter was introduced in March 2013 at the Heli-Expo conference in Las Vegas, US.
It is a multirole, multimission helicopter, which can be reconfigured to suit troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue or command and control missions.
The helicopter was exhibited at the ninth bi-annual LAAD Defense and Security International Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in April 2013.
Bell Helicopter conducted 15 demonstrations flights of Bell 407GT for the Royal Jordanian Air Force, Royal Jordanian Special Operations Brigade and the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command during May and June 2014.
Bell 407GT helicopter design
The 407GT is an armed version of Bell 407GX civil utility helicopter, featuring upgrades over the Bell 412 EP and 412 EPI helicopters. It is incorporated with universal weapons pylon (UWP) from Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
The helicopter features a configurable weapons system for tactical operations. It also includes enhanced mission capabilities, such as superior payload and range with modern commercial training and product support systems. It features a four-bladed main rotor system.
The helicopter’s length is 12.7m, height is 3.56m and rotor diameter is 10.67m.
Bell 407GT flight deck and avionics
Bell 407GT helicopter is fitted with Garmin G1000H flight deck. It features two 10.4in high-resolution LCD screens with multifunction displays and enhanced situational awareness. It includes a third Aerocomputers display for infrared images.
The helicopter features an advanced integrated cockpit. It includes a night vision-compatible instrument panel. It also features reconnaissance and laser designation capabilities.
The avionics also include Wescam MX-15DI and the FLIR Systems 230-H. A separate suite is included for aircraft survivability equipment (ASE). In addition, there is a tactical radio suite.
Weapon systems onboard the 407GT
The helicopter can be equipped with flexible and configurable weapon systems to carry out tactical operations. It can be fitted with the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) developed by BAE Systems. In March 2013, the helicopter successfully fired seven 70mm APKWS rockets during a qualification test held in Yuma, Arizona, US.
It features a universal weapons pylon (UWP) that configures machine guns or rockets. The UWP provides a stable platform for precise delivery of ordnance, which can be configured quickly and can also be removed easily for other requirements, such as rescue or medical evacuation.
The helicopter can also be equipped with a variety of optional armament kits, which include a semi-active laser-guided 2.75in version of the existing Hydra 70 unguided rocket system with a range of more than 5,000m, AGM-114 Hellfire, General Dynamics GAU-19/B .50 calibre machine gun, mid-body guidance unit (WGU-59/B) and LifePort armour protection system. It also includes Dillon M13D mini-guns and HMP-400 machine gun pod.
Cabin details of the Bell helicopter
The wide cabin of the 407GT accommodates up to six passengers and one crew member. The cabin features a baggage compartment. It features high-visibility windows and doors, which can slide on both sides for quick ingress or egress.
Bell 407GT engine and performance
Bell 407GT helicopter is powered by Rolls Royce 250-C47B engine, which generates 606kW of power at takeoff. The engine is equipped with full authority diesel engine control (FADEC) system.
The helicopter has a range of 330nm (611km). It has a maximum cruising speed of 246kmp/h (133kt) and maximum endurance of 3.8 hours. Standard fuel capacity is 484l and auxiliary fuel capacity is 72l.
The helicopter has an empty weight of 1,210kg (2,668lb) and external gross weight of 2,722kg (6,000lb). It has a useful load of 1,058kg (2,332lb) and maximum extension load of 1,200kg (2,646lb).
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The Global Military Rotorcraft Market 2011-2021
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