Heli Expo Orlando March 2011
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Garmin G1000 Bell 407 factory option at HAI
While I am in Alaska, I understand Bell has their 407 at HAI, with the first G1000 installation in a helicopter. The 407 will continued to be offer as it is, or with the Garmin avionics as a "GX" option. Lots of neat twists on G1000, optimized for a rotorcraft installation, including:
Single Limit engine depiction on the PFD, that goes to a even larger depiction when for example rotor rpm goes off 100 percent as in an auto or FADEC issue. Sensitive helicopter synthetic vision, a voice controlled audio panel (tell it to go to comm 1 or 2 for example), a directional audio panel (traffic coming from the right is broadcast in the right ear), and a rear facing camera to help clear the tail rotor. The ship also has the Cobham Heli SAS auto pilot which is a planned factory option -- lots of performance, light weight and modest (at least by helo standards) cost.
Single Limit engine depiction on the PFD, that goes to a even larger depiction when for example rotor rpm goes off 100 percent as in an auto or FADEC issue. Sensitive helicopter synthetic vision, a voice controlled audio panel (tell it to go to comm 1 or 2 for example), a directional audio panel (traffic coming from the right is broadcast in the right ear), and a rear facing camera to help clear the tail rotor. The ship also has the Cobham Heli SAS auto pilot which is a planned factory option -- lots of performance, light weight and modest (at least by helo standards) cost.
Press release:
Garmin(R) announces the G1000H(TM) for Helicopters
Garmin(R) announces the G1000H(TM) for Helicopters
Originally Posted by Press Release
Bell Helicopter is the first manufacturer to select the G1000H and it will be installed on the Bell 407GX. The Garmin avionics system tailored to Bell's 407GX includes advanced capabilities like HSVT, HTAWS and tail rotor camera. Additional information about the G1000H or Garmin's complete line of helicopter products is available at garmin.com/helicopters.
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Talk about a sterile cockpit! I got a tour of the 407GX today, a lot of thoughts come to mind, the first one "about bloody time".
I was impressed by the simplicity; they appear to have done a good job though I'll wait for those who get to fly it this week to comment.
The cockpit felt so naked.
At least youngsters like SASless can watch their Nickleoden in between flights
I was impressed by the simplicity; they appear to have done a good job though I'll wait for those who get to fly it this week to comment.
The cockpit felt so naked.
At least youngsters like SASless can watch their Nickleoden in between flights
I look forward to having a look tomorrow, it was a bit crowded there at the launch today!
I'll be interested to learn more about that - normally TCAS azimuth information cannot be relied upon (one reason TCAS II RAs are always vertical commands.)
a directional audio panel (traffic coming from the right is broadcast in the right ear
Heli Expo 2011: Bell 407GX and 407AH
T'was most impressed with the unveiling of the 407GX and the 407AH today, cool music and so forth. WIll post up pics and video when back from Orlando.
Looks like Bell is fighting its way back then I guess however the cynics would say it was like the Bell 417 and ARH-70A ghost coming out of the cupboard albeit in a different form but the same nontheless.
Looks like Bell is fighting its way back then I guess however the cynics would say it was like the Bell 417 and ARH-70A ghost coming out of the cupboard albeit in a different form but the same nontheless.
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Gotta love the unveiling. Holy crap, check it out... its a 407. Oh and inside, its got a backup camera and the bluetooth stereo from a Ford Fusion. Que epic music and for goodness sake can we get some more smoke.
Not to discount the new avionics though, good setup it looks like. Lets hope this goes better than the other of 407 based HAI "unveilings" that have never made it to production.
Mike
Not to discount the new avionics though, good setup it looks like. Lets hope this goes better than the other of 407 based HAI "unveilings" that have never made it to production.
Mike
That was a Garmin show... a sideline barely an OEM launch ... even the 'Bell' press conference was a Garmin spun event in a Garmin time slot.
Contrast the AW 'launch' of their armed AW139, it was just parked off stand at the back of the hall and mentioned.... military project with no place at civil HAI event..... and AW had no super launch event this year as such..... can be done if you are confident of your market .....
Yes showpiece smoke and light shows look good but you need substance.... note that Ec made a lot of noise about the EC145T2 which at least looked different but just plonked the AS350B3e upgrade to one side.
Contrast the AW 'launch' of their armed AW139, it was just parked off stand at the back of the hall and mentioned.... military project with no place at civil HAI event..... and AW had no super launch event this year as such..... can be done if you are confident of your market .....
Yes showpiece smoke and light shows look good but you need substance.... note that Ec made a lot of noise about the EC145T2 which at least looked different but just plonked the AS350B3e upgrade to one side.
Birddog.....I would be like a Dog watching Television! But by golly....if you could plug yer DVD player into that display....think of how much more enjoyable waiting around for your next flight would be!!!
Sasless
Waiting for the flight????? Think how more interesting the "flight" would be---you and I both have flown those long a$$ all day long ferry flights....
I would be like a Dog watching Television! But by golly....if you could plug yer DVD player into that display....think of how much more enjoyable waiting around for your next flight would be!!!
AS 350 B3e prototype at Helitech, Orlando, Florida on 6th March 2011 (Photo: Andre Klass)
EC have said today of their B3e that it has:
- A more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.
- The option of operating at its maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30 minutes.
- Tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting.
- Improved interior design.
1). Understood. Great. 2). One would be interested to know what conditions (if any) apply to this option. How frequently may one visit this power range and are post-max power rating inspections of any kind required? 3). Again, it would be interesting to know exactly what has been done to create this 'ease of piloting' and item 4). Are they talking about shades and fabrics or is there something more substantial such as dynamic cabin noise control?
Finally, one buys the all-new B3e (and the Ecureuil is a great series) and you get this stunning 'bolt on' flight step half way up the skid. It's practicality is unquestionable but .. is it really asking too much that they take just a few minutes to design something a little more pleasing on the eye? I mean the device to connect the flight step to the upper portion of the front of the skid (circled) is horrendous.
Couldn't they borrow some ideas from their 135 product below?
EC 135 Hermes at Helitech 2009
S.
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I understand Bell has their 407 at HAI,
> Base price of GX with G1000H about $2.8mm, said to be about $150K more than analog version, but includes much more. Must add to this other desired kits. Estimated (by me) delivery price of a completed helicopter in the $3.2-$3.3mm zone for "corporate" configuration. Both versions to be available for some period of time.
> First available delivery position end of 2011 (some orders already taken).
IMHO this transforms the helicopter. While the G1000H includes substantial "whytech" (features that are easy and cheap to do given that the platform overhead is already paid for but are irrelevant on a VFR light helicopter so why bother) it is overall stunning and the whytech portions are highly addictive irrespective of utility. I want one!
Also talked with Roger Hoh, developer of the Cobham/Chelton HeliSAS. He stated that the STC for the 206/407 has been approved by the FAA and installations should begin soon. The Bell 407GX demo ship had a HeliSAS installed.
Last edited by EN48; 8th Mar 2011 at 18:31.
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EN48, could you describe the demo flight? I'm curious as to the length and what they would have been able to demonstrate on what I imagine must have been a short flight....
Did they mention anything about IFR certification? The Bell pilot I spoke to said it was possible and he could not see why they would not do it, I guess with the G1000H all they need should be another power source as the G1000 already has redundancy built in (two displays and 2 computers*)
IFR in VMC (marginal VFR or night) would be great, including IFR flight plans.
* I assume 2 computers based on typical G1000 spec.
Did they mention anything about IFR certification? The Bell pilot I spoke to said it was possible and he could not see why they would not do it, I guess with the G1000H all they need should be another power source as the G1000 already has redundancy built in (two displays and 2 computers*)
IFR in VMC (marginal VFR or night) would be great, including IFR flight plans.
* I assume 2 computers based on typical G1000 spec.
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could you describe the demo flight?
The issue for IFR is not so much the avionics as it is airframe related features. I am told that the FAA requires redundant hydraulic and electrical systems and a sophisticated autopilot among other things for SPIFR, and that the cost of designing and certifying the FAA required capability would be cost prohibitive in the B407. AFAIK, for these and possibly other reasons there are no light single engine helicopters currently in production which are certified for IFR in the U.S. In the past a handful of 206's and I think 3 407's have been certified possibly through the STC route, but I am told that the FAA would not allow this again. There are others here who will know more about the certification requirements.
Last edited by EN48; 8th Mar 2011 at 19:38.
To see the certification requirements, look to Appendix B of Part 27. These are the same for any Part 27 helicopter - whether single or twin.
ICAO Annex 6 Part III also has standards for flying in IMC in Performance Class 3. These are contained in Section II Chapter 3.4, Appendix 2 and Attachment H. These SARPs are for CAT but give some indication of what might be required.
Unlike some views expressed in this and other threads, this is not a trivial issue.
Jim
ICAO Annex 6 Part III also has standards for flying in IMC in Performance Class 3. These are contained in Section II Chapter 3.4, Appendix 2 and Attachment H. These SARPs are for CAT but give some indication of what might be required.
Unlike some views expressed in this and other threads, this is not a trivial issue.
Jim
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1. A more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.
Originally Posted by Savoia
1). Understood. Great.
2. The option of operating at its maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30 minutes.
Originally Posted by Savoia
2). One would be interested to know what conditions (if any) apply to this option. How frequently may one visit this power range and are post-max power rating inspections of any kind required?
3. Tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting.
Originally Posted by Savoia
3). Again, it would be interesting to know exactly what has been done to create this 'ease of piloting'
4. Improved interior design.
Originally Posted by Savoia
4). Are they talking about shades and fabrics or is there something more substantial such as dynamic cabin noise control?
I/C
The 407 GX will be the ultimate (I) (F)ollow (R)oad machine. 
SaSless u can plug in your ipod/ipod dvd or whatever and the audio also (3.5mil jack)
The display will also come handy when doing aerial filming because the can handle full HD signal from cameras like Cineflex, no longer have to tape that monitor to the dash
I loved the "voice recognition" system in the audio, just call out twr or ground to jump between pre-select freq.
and the last transmission playback i nice in busy airspace.
But the 3D terrain and highway in the sky and the ability to make your own highway in the sky approach just to any waypoint u got saved is great feature for off-airport landings in ****ty wx
and 40lbs lighter, finaly u can just skip the bloody diet
Birddog.....I would be like a Dog watching Television! But by golly....if you could plug yer DVD player into that display....think of how much more enjoyable waiting around for your next flight would be!!!
The display will also come handy when doing aerial filming because the can handle full HD signal from cameras like Cineflex, no longer have to tape that monitor to the dash
I loved the "voice recognition" system in the audio, just call out twr or ground to jump between pre-select freq.
and the last transmission playback i nice in busy airspace.
But the 3D terrain and highway in the sky and the ability to make your own highway in the sky approach just to any waypoint u got saved is great feature for off-airport landings in ****ty wx
and 40lbs lighter, finaly u can just skip the bloody diet