Bell 429
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The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is a light-twin helicopter currently under development, with a planned first flight in the third quarter of 2006 and certification in 2007.
The impetus for developing the Bell 429 came primarily from the emergency medical services (EMS) industry, which has been looking for an updated helicopter. The airframe is an outgrowth of the Bell 427, which Bell had hoped to market to the EMS industry. However, the 427's small cabin size would not adequately accommodate a patient litter, so the helicopter's sales were weak. The launch customer for the Bell 429 is Air Methods Corporation, the largest medevac provider in the United States. Bell is also partnering with Korea Aerospace Industries and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace of Japan in the helicopter's development.
[edit] Features and specifications
- Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D turboshaft engines with full FADEC, producing 710 shp takeoff power (5 minutes) and 625 shp continuous.
- Rigid 4-blade rotor system; composite rotor blades feature swept tips for reduced noise
- Four-bladed "stacked" tailrotor design for reduced noise
- Maximum cruise speed, 142 knots
- Seating for up to seven plus pilot
- 200-cu-ft cabin with flat floor for patient loading
- Optional aft clamshell doors (under tail boom) for ease of patient loading
- Skid gear standard, retractable wheel landing gear optional
- Weights:
- Empty weight: 4,300 lb
- MTOW: 7,000 lb
- Useful load: 2,700 lb
