While managers attempted to sell the Bell 427 model, Bell’s management announced its intention to begin production of the Model 427i helicopter in March 2004, which was intended to offer instrument flight capability. However, the project was ultimately postponed in favor of a new aircraft, the Model 429.
This new model featured a new airframe, different cockpit, and tail rotor. For the serial production of these helicopters, Bell planned to involve Korea’s KAI and Japan’s “Mitsui Bussan Aerospace.”
Launch and First Flight
Bell chose the international exhibition “Heli-Expo 2005” for the official launch of its new project. The helicopter was demonstrated in two variants: corporate and medical evacuation. The first flight was planned for early 2006, with certification by the end of 2007.
During the exhibition, Bell and KAI signed an agreement for the first helicopters to be assembled in February 2006. On February 27, the first Model 429 prototype took to the air, but subsequent testing was significantly delayed, and the second prototype only flew on August 27, 2007.
Legal Challenges and Commercial Success
In May 2009, Eurocopter initiated a lawsuit against Bell, accusing it of patent infringement on the design of skid landing gear, but Bell representatives rejected all accusations. In June 2009, it was announced that the model’s certification would be completed shortly, and the company had already received preliminary orders for over 300 aircraft.
“Air Methods Corporation,” the largest private air medical company, was set to be the launch customer. Bell incorporated customer feedback, and the Model 429 is offered in corporate, medical evacuation, and multi-purpose variants, featuring an increased volume cabin and improved characteristics. The company management planned to cease production of the Model 427 by 2010, replacing it with the Model 429, which is referred to as GlobalRanger in some sources.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bell 429 |
| Main rotor diameter, m | 10.97 |
| Tail rotor diameter, m | 1.65 |
| Length, m | 13.11 |
| Height, m | 4.04 |
| Width, m | 2.67 |
| Empty equipped weight | 2035 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 3402 |
| Internal fuel, l | 770 |
| Engine type | 2 Gas Turbine Engines Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1 |
| Maximum power | 2 x 729 |
| Flight power | 2 x 586 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 287 |
| Cruise speed, km/h | 278 |
| Practical range, km | 648 |
| Service ceiling, m | 6096 |
| Static ceiling, m | 4307 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | 7 passengers or 1140 kg internal cargo or 1361 kg on sling |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bell 429
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