BELL 407

In 1993, Bell began the development of the New Light Aircraft as a replacement for its Model 206 series. The program resulted in the 407, a development of Bell’s Long Ranger. A 206L-3 Long Ranger was modified to serve as the 407 demonstrator. The demonstrator used hardware for the 407 and added molded fairings to represent the 407’s wider fuselage then under development.

The Bell 407 features the four-blade main rotor. The blades and hub use composite construction without life limits, and provide better performance and a more comfortable ride. The 407’s fuselage is 8 inches wider, increasing internal cabin space, and includes 35% larger main cabin windows.

The 407’s airframe is generally similar to the Long Ranger, but includes a carbon fiber composite tailboom. The helicopter has standard seating for two crew and five cabin seats.[6]

The 407 was certificated on February 9, 1996, Full production began in 1996 at Bell’s Mirabel, Quebec, Canada plant and produced 140 airframes in 1997, to fill the initial orders.

In 1995, Bell tested a shrouded tail rotor on the 407, but did not proceed with it. For a time, Bell studied developing the Model 407T twin-engine variant, but instead chose to develop the essentially all-new twin-PW206D powered Bell 427.

Bell began deliveries of the 407 in 1996. The 1,000th helicopter was delivered on June 15, 2010.

Aircraft of similar role, configuration and era are: AgustaWestland AW119, Eurocopter AS350, Eurocopter EC120, Eurocopter EC130, Marenco SKYe SH09, MD Helicopters MD 600, Kazan Ansat.