Bell Helicopter announced a variety of upgraded capabilities for its line of commercial helicopters yesterday. They include Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) approval for a weight increase on the Bell 407 cargo hook to 3,100 pounds from 2,646 pounds; FAA and TCCA certification of an external gross weight of 8,000 pounds for the light twin Bell 429, up from 7,500 pounds, with EASA validation of the TCCA certification increase expected shortly; and FAA certification of an increase of internal and external gross weight on the medium Bell 412 EPI to 12,200 pounds, up from 11,900 pounds.
Separately, Bell announced the deliveries of three new Model 505 Jet Ranger X light singles in Canada last week. Bell received FAA certification for the 505 on June 8. At the Paris Air Show this week, Bell also announced the deals for the sale of three VIP-configured aircraft in Europe—a Bell 429 to both Helix Av. in the UK and King’s Casino in the Czech Republic and a 407GXP single to a private customer in Italy.