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Short History: |
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The Bell 407 HELICOPTER is the long time expected successor to its JetRanger and LongRanger light single engine units.
The work for the development of the Bell 407 HELICOPTER dates back to 1993. The final result was an evolutionary development of the LongRanger.
The prototype of the Bell 407A HELICOPTER was based on a modified 206L3 LongRanger and it made it's first flight as a prototype on April 21 of 1994, while the public presentation of the Bell 407 was made in January of 1995 in the HeliExpo of Las Vegas.
The first flight of the of the BELL 407 HELICOPTER pre production model was in June of 1995 and the first flight a production model was in November of 1995. Deliveries to clients began on February of 1996.
Compared with the LongRanger, the Bell 407 HELICOPTER characteristic features are the four blade main rotor, developed for the OH58, made of Composite and their blades and hub have no life limits. Some of the benefits of the four blades main rotor are a better performance and a more comfortable flight.
Another important change on the LongRanger is a 18cm (8 in) wider cabin, that increases the width and interior space, besides of 35 % bigger cabin windows. Engine is a more powerful Allison 250C47 turboshaft, fitted with FADEC, allowing an increase in the maximum take off weight and a best performance in high temperatures and high altitudes. The tail boom of the Bell 407 HELICOPTER is made of carbofibre composite. |
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