Bell 407GXi

Overview

The Bell 407GXi is the current production version of Bell’s 407 light-single helicopter family. The aircraft combines seating for one pilot and six passengers with a cabin that can be configured for corporate transportation, public safety, emergency medical service, utility work, training and other specialized missions.

Its powerplant is a Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 turboshaft equipped with dual-channel full-authority digital engine control, commonly known as FADEC. Bell lists the engine at 862 shaft horsepower for takeoff and 761 shaft horsepower at maximum continuous power. The digital control system manages engine operation while reducing the number of manual power-management tasks required of the pilot.

Cockpit and avionics

The 407GXi introduced the Garmin G1000H NXi integrated flight deck to the Bell 407 series. Its features include high-resolution displays, synthetic vision, terrain-awareness functions, flight planning, fuel-flow information and range-ring mapping. Optional and supplemental systems can add traffic information, weather data, wire-awareness functions and other mission capabilities.

Bell announced the 407GXi in 2018 as an advancement of the earlier 407GX and 407GXP. The updated model paired the newer avionics suite with the Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 engine and dual-channel FADEC. Transport Canada certified the aircraft in 2018, followed by FAA validation later that year.

Performance and missions

Bell publishes a maximum cruise speed of 133 knots and a range of 337 nautical miles under stated standard conditions with no reserve. Standard seating accommodates one pilot and six passengers. The base aircraft has a standard internal useful load of 2,300 pounds, while optional configurations can raise internal maximum gross weight and useful load.

The 407GXi’s adaptable cabin and external-load capability allow the same basic aircraft family to serve markedly different operators. Examples include law-enforcement agencies, emergency medical providers, corporate flight departments, utility operators and military or government organizations.

Specifications and performance can vary by equipment, configuration, environmental conditions and approved operating limitations. Operational decisions must always rely on the applicable rotorcraft flight manual and current approved documentation.

The avionics and engine descriptions are supported by Bell’s current product information and its GXi launch announcement. Bell product specifications, Bell launch announcement