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diethelm
13th Oct 2004, 17:50
Eurocopter wins Border Patrol with EC 120's, Bell wins Customs and Border Protection with 430's.

The next interesting bid is the ARH bid set to come out in mid- November and to be awarded in March. Who will win that bid?

Story Below:

Bell Wins The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Solicitation

NBAA, Las Vegas, NV Oct 12, 2004

The Department of Homeland Security, Border and Transportation Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection posted official notice that Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. has been awarded a contract for Bell 430 helicopters for Border Protection’s twin turbine medium utility helicopter requirement. The contract is worth an estimated $164M.

Speaking of the win, Michael Redenbaugh, chief executive officer of Bell Helicopter, said, “Bell Helicopter made a commitment several years ago to increase our focus on supporting airborne law enforcement and non-DoD U.S. federal organizations. Our products are the best in the world and our Homeland Security enforcement agencies deserve nothing less. Bell is exceptionally proud that our people and products won the confidence of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as the best value for their important mission.”

The Bell 430 has proven an exceptional aircraft in Homeland Security mission environments. Currently in operation with such notable organizations as the New York State Police, and the State of Louisiana, the Bell 430 is already on the frontlines of law enforcement. The reliability record of the Bell 430 and Bell’s customer support reputation position Bell products to succeed in the demanding work environment of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection mission.

The Bell 430 combines long flight endurance capability with a smooth ride and a large useful load. A modern glass cockpit coupled with a high reliability rate make it a tremendous aircraft for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s important mission. Endurance, comfort and enough room for multi-mission flexibility make the Bell 430 prepared to accomplish any task while defending America’s borders. The Bell 430 will greatly extend the U.S. Customs and Border Protection capability. The Bell 430 is built from suppliers in over 25 different states in the United States.

Bell Helicopter Textron, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a $1.6 billion, leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 43,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com

widgeon
13th Oct 2004, 21:31
I hope these are to be built in Texas !!! , I hear the fuselage line is moving to Harbin soon .

Shawn Coyle
14th Oct 2004, 14:05
The 430 will be assembled in Mirabel - all of the production from there somehow counts as US production.
Nice, smooth ship - but I don't know how they can say it has long range...

Gomer Pylot
15th Oct 2004, 04:40
It has closer to no range, which is why the number flying in the GOM is exactly zero, and likely to stay at that level. It's essentially worthless as a transport ship, because of short range and high costs. Typical Bell these days, far too little far too late.

Shawn Coyle
15th Oct 2004, 18:08
One did go around the world, but with an internal auxiliary fuel tank...

chuckolamofola
15th Oct 2004, 21:53
Gomer Pylot

Chevron has been operating 4 of these in the G/O/M for a few years and seems to be happy with them.

If the Aux Fuel system is the same as the 222, it should work well as it don't take up much cabin space.

Heliport
18th Oct 2004, 09:14
Good to see Bell fighting back.

This is the second government contract they've won since forming a 'Homeland Security group' to enter U.S. Federal Government contract competitions.

In August, the DEA selected the Bell 407 for their light utility helicopter.


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