Bell Helicopter debuts Bell 407GT, an armed version of the Bell 407GX
LAS VEGAS, 5 March 2013.Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE:TXT), unveiled the Bell 407GT light commercial helicopter, an armed version of the Bell 407GX, during Heli-Expo 2013 in Las Vegas.
The commercially qualified Bell 407GT combines the Bell 407 platform with the Garmin G1000HTM flight deck to provide critical flight information at a glance for greater situational awareness. The 407GX can be equipped with infrared cameras, light munitions, and precision weapons systems, such as laser-guided rockets and missiles.
“The 407GT is a ’force multiplier’ with mission capabilities ranging from tactical air assault and troop escort to reconnaissance and search and rescue,” describes Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter executive vice president, sales and marketing. “The proven performance of the Bell 407GX platform provides our customers an aircraft that is ready to fly when duty calls, while powerful munitions capabilities coupled with an advanced flight deck ensures mission success.”
The Bell 407GT features a configurable weapons system for tactical operations, including infrared camera system with laser designation capability, weapons management system, universal weapons pylon (UWP), tactical radio suite, and aircraft survivability equipment.
The UWP, based on the Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, provides a stable platform for precise delivery of ordnance and can be reconfigured for machine guns or rockets. The pylon can be removed to meet multiple mission requirements, such as search and rescue or medical evacuation.
The 407GT includes the Garmin G1000HTM flight deck with twin 10.4-inch, high-resolution LCD screens, hosting advanced integrated cockpit and multifunction display information. The aircraft features a night vision-compatible instrument panel and long-range reconnaissance and laser designation capabilities, with options including the Wescam MX-15DI and the FLIR Systems 230-HD.
A variety of optional kits, designed to meet the needs of any tactical mission, will be available for the Bell 407GT with export compliance approval as required. Kits include: AGM-114 Hellfire, General Dynamics GAU-19/B .50 caliber machine gun, HMP-400 machine gun pod, M260 2.75 in. 7-tube rocket launcher, Advance Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS), LifePort Armor Protection System, and more.
Courtney Howard | Executive Editor
Courtney, as executive editor, enjoys writing about all things electronics and avionics in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Military & Aerospace Electronics, Avionics Intelligence, the Avionics Europe conference, and much more. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
