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Bell 429
It seems Bell are starting to see work on the the MAPL Products yield fruit. I just spotted this about the new Bell 429 on their website.
http://www.bellhelicopter.textron.co...29-750x250.jpg http://www.bellhelicopter.textron.co...ds_250x250.jpg Any thoughts chaps? CRAN :ok: |
Interesting development but may be a little late by the time it is certified and not quite sure what the market will be with the EC145 and Agusta Grand having such a head start.
However, good to see Bell at least making some effort to compete with the dominant forces in this segment. |
oh you beautiful thing!!!.......just like the JRX artist impression...its very inspiring i just hope Bell can deliver.....and im a devout fan of bell and their product support!...i beleive in 10 years time BHT will have the helicopter of choice if they can match or outperform EC but then agian EC have a good product in the 350 series
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Nice looking artist impression (as are all of Bell's artist impressions)! Might be a pretty good ship if they can price it competitively. Maybe they could keep the costs down by building it in...um...Korea?
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A jet ranger/407 with a twin pack. What a joke
Build something new for a change Bell!!! |
Seen it at the HAI....totally underwhelmed by it.....it is no where near the helicopter the EC-135, EC-145 is. Tail rotor is conformed like a 206....inline with the tail boom thus killing the versatility of the tail gate. The passenger steps came from Bubba's Four Wheel driver accessory shop....at least they could have bought the chrome version.
A pig's ear...is a pig's ear. |
I am well versed in the Bell 407 / 427 and their issues, and was very impressed by the 429.
Wheels as an option. Skids appeared to be more substantial than the 427. No fuel in the cabin! Low floor for loading patients / passengers. Adjustable seats for the pilots. Sliding glare shield for the flight instruments. Cabin is larger than the A109, according to the Bell folks. Option for clamshell doors. Yes, the tail rotor is in low, but they may listen to more input and put a ringfin on it, or something like it. It appears they are still in the input mode - I know they had at least two design-type engineers there and they were asking questions as opposed to 'how do you like it?'. They have made (finally) a bold step. New rotor blades so it should have better high altitude performance. But we'll see what the final result is soon. |
Belly Tank, SASless - all good points. Bell is actually trying to do good stuff but my research tells me that the company is staggerring from the V-22 mistakes, incredibly poor decisions (too many to list - there's another old thread on this) made under previous management and making its work force more innovative/creative.
It will happen hopefully sooner than later, so along with the fixes in the TT straps (over 20 years and counting) they WILL, in my lifetime, come out with models that give EADS a run for their money. Meanwhile their ships are cheap, utility focussed, support is good and orders are piling (for the moment). It is a small step in the right direction. Compare Bell to say old clunky Harley technology which is selling great volumes rather than say a top notch technology laden Honda bike. WB |
Hi
is from my eyes, or is not only the auto industry that is starting to design different models/brands but with the same look??? :sad: isn't a little of http://www.agustawestland.com/dinimg/AB139_01med.jpg in the second photo of the 429 let's wait for the tech specs... :ok: (the pdf file in bell site isn't availlable yet..) regards |
Are my eyes decieving me or does that look like a 4 bladed t/r on the first picture? Or should I say two 2 bladed T/Rs stuck together?:}
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Wot no PATS ?
Believe it's a low-noise scissors-type system.
As Shawn says, BHTC still appears to be in the input mode, hence no glossy 429 brochures at the show and no fenestron or PATS this time round. I/C |
Ugly.
Looks like a JR on steriods. |
Shawn,
How do you load a patient with the rotors turning on the 429....using the clamshell rear doors? Am I the only one that thinks the skid steps came from Bubba's four wheel drive shop? Lets see....year 2005....adjustable pilot's seats....darn what progress. I did look at the baggage bay hinges....unlike the 412 they did not have Bell 47 part numbers. |
Agree with S76 above
It's gotta be as pretty as the 222/230 |
Interesting the negative comments. It's a result of input from a couple of operator committees that included people from overseas. Considering it's a mockup but they plan to fly it this year, I would be surprised if there were no changes but in EMS, the side doors are very wide and the cabin is clean with no intrusions. Cockpit is modern and appears comfortable. Bell appears to be listening to customers.
Looking at it at HeliExpo, I think it is a bold move by Bell to provide an alternative to EC products. Put that, with the 139 and 609 which is due to start again this year and within a couple of years (which is not a long time in aviation), Bell will have a fairly competitive lineup. If they maintain their customer support record, then they should be on a winner. Just my opinion though. |
SASless:
Agree on the loading thru the clamshell doors with the rotors turning. But then again, is this commonly done on the BK-117 / EC-145 with the rotors turning? Lots of other utility loads that could be loaded that way with the rotors stopped. But as someone said- they aren't done yet. I'm just impressed that they actually made a lot of significant design changes from their old models. Couple of other things I missed in the previous message: The rotor head looked different from previous ones, part old style, part Bell 430 from first glance. The pilot and copilot doors and cyclics are actually set up so you don't have to do gyrations getting in. There is no broom closet or anything else separating the cabin and cockpit. |
Hi
the pdf file, in bell site, as been released Bell 429 again, maybe is from my eyes :{ , but the picture of the first page, doesn't seems somethink like a BK ???? but watherver it's look's like, seems that, or Bell has been doing some homework, or has been reading, a post from pprune, about things that they should use/improve (look at the skids EC style... ):cool: Shawn, anyone, any real pictures availablre??? looks cool, now let's wait for performance data... :ok: regards |
Imitation is the best form of flattery.....Bell seems to think a lot of the BK-117!
While they are busy listening to the customers....wonder why they have not found a way to build a decent pilot's seat? The 206 seat has to be the cause of more bad backs than anything in the world. The Bell Huey seat....has set a standard for being "uncomfortable"....was only outdone by the 412 seat which merely copied the same concept of the 206 seat. When they built the 407....they moved the 206 seat two inches forward which made it very uncomfortable to fly without buying aftermarket pedal extenders. Nope...not impressed with Bell seats. Anyone really happy with the 206 pilot doors? Compared the BK doors and their hold open locks to any of the Bells? 212/412 pilots have calloused legs from holding doors open with their legs and feet. When they built a four bladed head....they stacked two "540" style rotor blades/hubs and called it good....which it isn't. Innovative they are not. Heck, they have been working on the tilt-rotor for over 50 years.....and it still isn't done. |
I was also at HAI.
The front of the 429 is impressive enough ... anyone with a history of Bell to hand will probably find its profile under the section marked Bell 400 [the ringtail and predessesor to the TwinStar] which suggests that as the 400 flew a great deal of structural work was done back then... but that tail end ...... Death would be quick if you blundered that way... and many others [potential customers] could be seen pointing at a messy rear end layout .... Centre of the t/r boss is at 6 feet which should make your eyes water only very briefly.... The ringtail is dead, the Bellestron is dead and now Bell's answer to not copying the others on how to stop helicopters spinning uncontrallably is said to be a new Hot-notar blower system [but not yet] ... if copying the systems that work is such a worry why use the tail rotor? |
CS-Hover thanks for posting the link to the 429 PDF file but that has to be one of the poorest documents I have ever seen produced by any company, let alone one of Bell's experience and reputation.
Where are the interior dimensions and layout config diagrams, the top level performance info or indeed any information that might give us some idea of the capabilities of the aircraft. It also refers to the Aircraft Technical Manual at the end so perhaps someone would be kind enough to post a link to this!!! |
Hi
Eurobolkow: maybe, because BHTC still appears to be in the input mode, hence no glossy 429 brochures at the show and no fenestron or PATS this time round. i've been searching for this type of info from the different companys, and the pdf files that Bell, has, for the others models are among the best/more complete that i've found... let's wait and see ;) real pic from HAI?? nobody ???? :sad: regards |
Where are the interior dimensions and layout config diagrams....
In fairness to Bell it took me 6 months to get cabin volume for the Grand out of AgustaWestland ...... thats another story! I am quite willing to accept that Bell are treating that back- end like an afterthought ... but I believe that was a mighty mistake. I got two lots of customers in camera each apparently 'mouths open and pointing at the tail rotor set-up' and in all fairness they are for publication later, not on pprune. I also overheard a Bell rep dismissing one of these customers along the lines of 'high skids will solve that' ...... just how high? |
PA News:
I think you will find that the Agusta Grand brochure that was available at the UK Launch contained cabin dimensions, payload vs range diagram and performance data. I have to agree with your view however that the 429 rear end seems like a bit of an after thought. |
There's a single shot of the 429, plus some good 'on stand' and 'in-coming' shots of other types from the show, at Fence Check.
I/C |
Pics of the interior:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...eliExpo045.jpg Cockpit: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...eliExpo046.jpg Could anybody please verify that I didn't mix up the pics and that the above is actually the cockpit of the Bell 429 (took too many pics) |
Eurobolkow, not wishing to go off thread too much, the figures manufacturers choose to supply can inevitably lead to a lack of information and often treating like with like can be difficult on the numbers freely supplied - such was the case with the Grand last year.
The same applies with actually getting bums on seats, you can have all the numbers you like [including that elusive cabin volume] but it is only when you sit down with a crick in your neck that you may be able to highlight that a given type is best avoided by 6 footers..... and that affects an awful lot of airframes. In this case, as the 429 was 'just a mock-up' it may have been wiser if Bell had followed Agusta's lead and deleted the tail for the launch. |
Business Wire
Textron's Bell Helicopter Unveils New Aircraft and Books Strong Orders at Heli-Expo PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Further reinforcing its leadership in the global aviation marketplace, Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) businesses have generated strong customer orders and significant interest in products and technologies unveiled and/or featured at the annual Heli-Expo conference and trade show, held earlier this week in Anaheim, CA. During the show, Bell Helicopter introduced the newest entry to its leading lineup of commercial helicopters: the Bell 429 GlobalRanger Light Twin. Incorporating a variety of "first-ever" technologies from Bell's Modular Affordable Product Line (MAPL) -- including unprecedented cabin and cockpit features and new high performance rotor technology -- the Bell 429 represents a significant advancement for the light twin segment and will offer customers a wide range of affordable options. With orders taken at the show, there are currently 110 orders for the new aircraft. First deliveries are anticipated during the first half of 2007. Including the strong sales of its new Bell 429 GlobalRanger and popular 407, 412, and 210 models, Bell Helicopter booked 34 total orders across its commercial helicopter line. "Textron companies had a great showing at this year's event," said Lewis B. Campbell, Textron's Chairman, President and CEO. "And it's no surprise that Bell's new product news - once again - led the show. The new Bell 429 is the latest in a series of significant milestones for Bell, and - more importantly - for our customers, whose input was instrumental in the design of this aircraft. It's this customer focus and commitment, combined with a true passion for innovation, that make Textron's aviation and aircraft-related employees the best in the businesses." Other Textron highlights from this week's event include: -- Bell Helicopter announced that it has reached multi-national agreements with Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Company, Ltd. for a collaboration to develop, certify, produce and market the new Bell 429 light twin helicopter for the world market. This agreement further enables Bell to bring the advanced, affordable new 429 GlobalRanger light twin helicopter to market globally. -- Bell reported that the relocation of its Customer Training Academy and Customer Support and Service Centers to new state-of-the-art facilities at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, TX, is complete. In addition to a world-class Customer Logistics Center, the facilities include an unprecedented new Customer Training Academy, featuring more than 41,000 square feet of hangar space dedicated entirely to critical hands-on maintenance training and a newly designed helicopter-training airport. -- Bell unveiled a program to integrate the Honeywell HTS900 engine into the Bell 407 commercial product line, replacing the current Rolls Royce 250-C47B engine. This move is expected to yield a 15 percent improvement in installed power that will significantly enhance the performance capability -- and reliability -- of the aircraft. The HTS900 integration program is expected to be complete in late 2006. -- Bell announced that Rotorcraft Leasing Company, LLC, has extended its growing fleet of Bell helicopters to a total of 44 aircraft - through a major fleet expansion program that includes a recent purchase contract for six new Bell Model 206L-4 LongRangers. With the third largest helicopter fleet operating in the Gulf of Mexico, Rotorcraft Leasing, headquartered in Broussard, LA, is a major offshore helicopter operator, servicing offshore production and exploration facilities in the Gulf region. -- Bell reported that ChevronTexaco has ordered a third Bell 427 light twin helicopter for its offshore fleet. ChevronTexaco currently operates a fleet of 30 helicopters; 21 of which are Bell aircraft, including Bell 430s, 206L's and 206B's in addition to the 427 models. Bell also announced that full-service helicopter maintenance firm, Arrow Aviation Company, LLC, has taken delivery of a new Bell 206L-4 aircraft. Arrow Aviation provides helicopter maintenance and completion services to the commercial, offshore, corporate, emergency medical and private aviation markets - and owns a fleet of 11 Bell 206B Series JetRangers and 206L Series LongRangers, which are utilized on long-term leases throughout the United States. -- Lycoming Engines generated strong customer interest and attention at Heli-Expo as it featured a variety of piston aircraft engines from across its market-leading product line. Lycoming piston engines power more than half of the world's general aviation fleet - both rotary-wing and fixed-wing. -- HR Textron, an operating unit of Textron Systems, showcased its broad line of primary and secondary flight control actuation products, generating significant interest from a variety of current and potential customers. |
With the likely MAUM of the 429 would a scissor type t/r on a pylon be a practical choice?
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Quoting the sales data from the post above....
"-- Bell announced that Rotorcraft Leasing Company, LLC, has extended its growing fleet of Bell helicopters to a total of 44 aircraft - through a major fleet expansion program that includes a recent purchase contract for six new Bell Model 206L-4 LongRangers. With the third largest helicopter fleet operating in the Gulf of Mexico, Rotorcraft Leasing, headquartered in Broussard, LA, is a major offshore helicopter operator, servicing offshore production and exploration facilities in the Gulf region. " The fact that Rotorcraft Leasing has lost several helicopters this year....it means more like keeping up with attrition rather than an overall fleet growth as I see it. :( |
139, 429. Is there a significance in the number 9 as being the in thing at the moment. Numbers have taken over from names and 9 seems to be relevant. Is it because it will be built in China and this number is a lucky one! Built in China will make for competitive pricing.
Nice looking ship and is one to assume that it will look like this in production form. I think we are all happy to see dear old Bell stepping out from the shaddows, arn't we? |
Maybe you have stumbled on a story here, AgustaWestland to buy Bell anybody!!!!
Then you would have the 119, 109, 129, 139, 429 and 609???? |
Bell 429 - progress?
I see the adverts for the Bell 429 but little more than that. Has anyone heard how this project is progressing?
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It is probably much too early to expect anything yet. It was only launched a matter of months ago.
In the background the eastern partners [Korea] do not seem to be able to decide whether they are going to sell it themselves yet... they did not do to well with the 427 so are apparently considering offloading sales to another company ... so significant progress in other aspects will also take a while. |
There was an article in Flight International a couple of months back, stating:
- Bell aiming to bring 429 in "a couple of decibels below ICAO Stage 3 [limits] in quiet cruise mode" - Certification scheduled for the first half of 2007 - Bell now has 110 orders I/C |
What happened to the 427? They added the 427i to their lineup, but it seems to be all but forgotten...
Click for article on 427i What's the status of the 427? :confused: - M |
The Bell 427 is back in production, trying to keep up with the demand. Yes there is quite a bit of demand. Aircraft has proven to be very reliable and adequate for low altitude work (read offshore support). Ride is extremely smooth, some have said smoother than the Bell 430.
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Bell 429
Opinions please Ladies and Gentlemen, both utility and EMS. Any speculation on teething time for the A model and product support? Comparison with EC-145?
Merci |
If typical Bell product....five years to sort out the tail rotor alone.
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How do you compare a fully functioning, certificated aircraft with a cardboard-and-plastic mockup?
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First flight of a 429 rotor on a 427 was shown almost live at HAI on Monday. Took place earlier that morning. Was done up north with the snow and all. Story is that after one week, flights are going much better than expected:eek:
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