The Bell 407GX is a lightweight seven seat multi-role helicopter with a four blade main rotor and two blade tail
rotor, powered by a single turbine engine. Fitted with a Rolls Royce
(Allison) model 250-C47B engine with Chandler Evans EC-135 (FADEC) Fuel
Control System, the helicopter has a radius of 575 km. Based on the Bell Model 206 series, the Bell 407
concept is a result of the in 1993 started development work for a
replacement for the Bell JetRanger and LongRanger. The first Bell 407
helicopter was a Bell 206L3 LongRanger modified to the Bell 407 concept that
flew first as N407LR on 21 April 1994. Prototype / pre-production Bell 407
C-GFOS (c/n 52901) flew first on 29 June 1995, followed by C-FORS (c/n 52902) that flew first on 13 July 1995.
First production airframe C-FWQY (c/n 53001) flew 10 November 1995. Full rate production started after receiving the Transport Canada certification on 9
February 1996 and FAA certification on 23 February. First customer delivery was at the Heli-Expo, Dallas, in February 1996.
The Model 407GX was introduced in 2011. The Bell 407GX has an integrated glass flight deck that provides aircrews essential flight information at a
glance for greater situational awareness, improved operational capability and increased safety. Model 407 s/n 54300 and subsequent are fitted with
the Integrated Avionics System Garmin 1000H) and have the commercial designation of 407GX. Bell has delivered over 1100 Bell 407 helicopters to customers
throughout the world. The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the Bell 407 helicopters is B407. |
In January 2013, the Canadian built Bell 407GX s/n 54390 was testflown with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd test
registration C-GBUK. On 5 February 2013, the Bell 407GX was registered C-GUVW with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited,
Mirabel, Quebec, Canada. On 10 May 2013, registration C-GUVW was cancelled as exported to the
USA. On 14 May 2013, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas,
registered the 2013-built Bell 407 as N492RB. On 12 September 2013, registration N492RB
was cancelled as exported to Belgium. Bell 407GX s/n 54390 was registered
OO-AMG with Meurrens Machinery, Lummen, on 16 September 2013. On 20 March 2014, Bell 407GX
OO-AMG was seen at Hoogeveen airfield (EHHO). |