Bell 407AH • wp.archivoaereo.com

In 2011, at the Heli-Expo exhibition, the American company Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. unveiled the Bell 407AH, a multipurpose reconnaissance and attack helicopter designed for special operation forces (SOF). It represents an armed, civilian-certified variant of the Bell 407, modified for use by government and clandestine units.

Table of Contents

Advanced Armament and Sensors

The helicopter’s armament can be mounted on two Universal Weapons Pylon hardpoints, similar to those used on the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. This includes combinations of a six-barrel 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134D-T (Titanium) or M134D-H (Hybrid) machine gun, or a three-barrel 12.7mm GAU-19/A or B machine gun. It also supports an M260 launcher with 7x70mm unguided rockets (capable of firing APKWS – Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles) and an HMP-400 machine gun pod with a 12.7mm FN M3P machine gun and 400 rounds.

For reconnaissance missions, the Bell 407AH is equipped with a FLIR Systems Introduces Ultra 9HD thermal camera in its nose, offering a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels and compatibility with night vision goggles.

Innovative Design and Market Outcome

The Bell 407AH features a four-bladed main rotor, originally developed for the OH-58D (Model 406). Its blades and hub are constructed from composite material with an indefinite service life, providing superior performance and flight comfort compared to earlier models. Vibration-isolating measures are integrated into the main rotor pylon, and similar measures are applied to the skid landing gear structure to eliminate ground resonance.

In 2013, the helicopter was offered to the Iraqi Army. However, the military ultimately chose the more advanced Bell 407GT variant, which was based on the Bell 407GX. As a result, the Bell 407AH remained a single prototype, bearing serial number 53989 and registration number N407AH.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Bell 407AH
Main rotor diameter, m	10.67
Tail rotor diameter, m	1.65
Length, m	12.74
Height, m	3.56
Empty weight	1210
Maximum takeoff weight	2590
Engine type	1 Rolls-Royce 250C47B Gas Turbine Engine
Power, kW	1 x 606
Maximum speed, km/h	260
Cruising speed, km/h	225
Practical range, km	605
Practical ceiling, m	6100
Static ceiling, m	3720
Crew	1
Payload:	up to 4 soldiers
Armament:	Combat load – 227 kg on two UWP hardpoints, M260 launchers with 70mm unguided rockets, 12.7mm GAU-19/B machine guns, 7.62mm M134 machine guns, HMP-400 machine gun pods with 12.7mm FN M3P machine gun and 400 rounds.