Imperium’s Imaging Technology Selected for Bell’s FAA Joint Research Project
Source: Imperium, 11 Mar, 10
Imperium, Inc., the sole developer and manufacturer of ultrasound imaging cameras for Non-Destructive Inspection (“NDI”) announced today the company’s Acoustocam i600, the world’s only handheld portable camera device, has been selected by Bell Helicopter as part of their joint program with the FAA to develop inspection technology and techniques to address maintenance concerns due to [...]
Bell to Modify Final 30 Aircraft in OH-58D Safety Enhancement Program
Source: Bell, 10 Mar, 10
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Mar. 9, 2010) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army to modify the final 30 OH-58D aircraft under the Kiowa Warrior Safety Enhancement Program (SEP).
These 30 aircraft will form Lot 13 of the Kiowa Warrior SEP program. [...]
United Rotorcraft Solutions delivered a customized 407 to Ireland’s Newtown Aviation
Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions, 3 Mar, 10
URS completed the 407 with a Garmin Comm/Nav/GPS GNS530AW , SL-40 Comm 2, GTX-330 transponder and GMA347H Audio Control. Also installed are the Honeywell KR87 ADF and KCS55A HSI Compass System, TransCal Blind Encoder, Mid-Continent Turn & Bank and ADI with battery back-up. The airframe was modified with a Paravion door opener kit; [...]
Avior wins Can$35M contract for Bell 429 assemblies
Source: Avior, 2 Mar, 10
Laval, Quebec, March 1st, 2010: Avior Integrated Products Inc. today signed a US$35 million, multi-year contract with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. in Mirabel to supply structural assemblies for the new 429 Helicopter. Avior will manufacture the engine cowl structure, which includes multiple light-weight hybrid assemblies using advanced composite materials and aluminum. The composite work [...]
Osprey desployment to Okinawa may throw wrench in MCAS Futenma relocation
Source: Mainichi Daily News, 2 Mar, 10
The environmental assessment of the area around Camp Schwab, Okinawa may need to restart after officials hinted MV-22 Osprey could be deployed to the new base.
United Rotorcraft Solutions delivered customized 407 to DS Aviation in Dallas
Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions, 2 Mar, 10
The new Bell 407 was completed with the newly certified Aspen EFD-1000 Electronic Flight Display, the Garmin GPS/NAV/COMM, Transponder, Blind Encoder and the Garmin GPSMAP 696 and GMA347H audio, the second COMM is the Honeywell KY196A. The Avidyne TCAD TAS610 is also installed.
The airframe is equipped with the Air Comm air conditioning and heater/defroster, Tech [...]
Lawsuit against Onondaga County Sheriff ‘Air One’ dismissed by federal court
Source: WSYR, 2 Mar, 10
Mercy Flight Central, Inc. filed the suit in Federal Court two years ago, alleging that Air-1 was providing competing services without proper certification.
Aviatrix acquires Erickson Air-Crane’s UH-1 parts inventory
Source: Aviatrix, 28 Feb, 10
Aviatrix, Inc. of Sherwood, Oregon recently acquired Erickson Air-Crane’s Bell inventory to add to the 250,000 items that they represent. Aviatrix is a world-class aerospace parts supplier with a foundation built on customer service and quality. Aviatrix offers years of experience in the aerospace industry and is nationally recognized for supplying critical parts in a [...]
U.S. Helicopter completing $14 million government contract
Source: Dothan Eagle, 27 Feb, 10
Company officials said workers spent about a year converting a former U.S. Army UH-1 Huey airframe into a Bell Huey II for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Bell Helicopter Expands Service Offerings with Czech Republic acquisition
Source: Bell, 27 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the acquisition of Aviation Service, a world-class provider of modifications and upgrades, avionics and special mission packages, based in Prague, Czech Republic with annual revenues of about $14 million.
“Bell is committed to meeting the needs of our European customers; this acquisition allows us to more [...]
Iran counterfeiting Bell’s helicopters
Source: http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/iran-counterfeiting-bells-helicopters/, 25 Feb, 10
Iran appears determined to not only maintain its enormous fleet of hundreds of Bell helicopters in the wake of the ongoing U.S. arms embargo against it, but also to make indigenous and unauthorized copies of them.
Aviation Specialties Unlimited Completes STC on B214ST for Evergreen Helicopters
Source: Aviation Specialties Unlimited, 25 Feb, 10
Aviation Specialties Unlimited announced that it completed a supplemental type certificate (STC) on a B214ST for Evergreen Helicopters. The STC was the first of its kind in the industry for the B214ST.
“This modification was a high-level NVG conversion and modernization,” said Bruce Currier, vice president of avionics for Evergreen Helicopters. “ASU is a flexible and [...]
Profile – Virginia Beach Police Aviation Unit
Source: Virginian Pilot, 24 Feb, 10
The Virginia Beach Police operate a Bell 407 which has recently gone through a major equipment upgrade program
Cobham expects HeliSAS certification on Bell 206/407 and AS350 by year-end
Source: Flightglobal, 24 Feb, 10
Cobham is confident the new low-cost autopilot product will eventually become available for several light helicopter models.
Bell Helicopter Recognizes Top Customer Service Facilities
Source: Bell, 23 Feb, 10
Representatives from across the helicopter industry’s customer support and service sector are expected to turn out on Monday, Feb. 22 at Heli-Expo as Bell Helicopter honors 12 worldwide customer service facilities (CSFs) with Platinum-level rankings.
The awards ceremony will recognize leaders in the customer service arena and highlight the commitment of Bell operators around the globe [...]
Certificate transfer boosts support of Model 47
Source: Bell, 23 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter today recognized Scott’s Helicopter Services in a formal ceremony to initiate the transfer of ownership of the Model 47 type certificates.
“We are continuously looking for ways to improve support, increase capabilities and lower operating cost of our legacy aircraft,” said Danny Maldonado, senior vice president Customer Support and chief services officer at Bell. [...]
Colorado Springs Police OH-58 sold to Wyomning for $170K
23 Feb, 10
Colorado Springs Police OH-58 sold to Wyomning for $170K
Bell Academy Receives EASA Training Approval for the Bell 429
Source: Bell, 23 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that its Bell Helicopter Training Academy has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Training Approval for Bell’s newest product, the 429.
The Bell Training Academy is approved to provide Bell 429 Maintenance Training Courses—Part 66 B1.3 (Maintenance Course) and B2 (combination of Electrical Maintenance and Avionics/AFCS [...]
Bell STC Taps Available Power to Boost 407 Performance
Source: Bell, 23 Feb, 10
Operators of Bell Helicopter’s 407 can use a new supplemental type certificate to increase the hot-and-high performance of that light, single-engine helicopter.
Bell, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, on Feb. 18 gained approval of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SR095531RC-D, which allows an increase of the 407’s useful load by more than 400 pounds. Alternately, [...]
Attractive financing available to Bell Helicopter customers
Source: Bell, 22 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter Finance Group, is pleased to offer Bell Helicopter customers new, attractive financing of their helicopter acquisitions that are completed in the first half of 2010.
“Restrictions on the availability of credit in the last year have made it difficult for customers throughout aviation to complete the acquisition of ordered aircraft and to place new [...]
Bell 429 launch customer does not want any more
Source: AIN, 22 Feb, 10
Air Methods will not be taking any more Bell 429s beyond the single unit it received in October, according to CEO Aaron Todd
Gulf Helicopters wins three year offshore contract
Source: GulfBase, 22 Feb, 10
Three year contract in Yemen with a Bell 412
Bell’s Garrison Calls 2009 “Challenging”
Source: Rotor & Wing, 22 Feb, 10
During his address to the media Saturday afternoon, John L. Garrison, president and CEO, Bell Helicopter said that the company enjoyed record operating earnings and cash generation under a “very challenging environment.”
AgustaWestland to learn BA609 fate by end of June
22 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland says the long-delayed decision on whether Bell Helicopter will cede its majority share in the BA609 program to AgustaWestland will be made by the end of June
Bell Helicopter provides support for new CAE training centres in Mexico and India
Source: CAE, 22 Feb, 10
CAE announced at the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Heli-Expo conference that Bell Helicopter is providing aircraft systems and performance data and technical support for the Bell 412 training programs which CAE will begin offering this summer in Mexico and Bangalore, India.
CAE is locating a suite of Bell 412 training tools in Mexico, including a CAE [...]
PR games after MV-22 Osprey starts (another) grassfire…
Source: Next Navy, 22 Feb, 10
This week, an MV-22 Osprey released flares and, for the second time, started forest fire out on the East Coast.
Rolls-Royce and Bell explore RR500 applications
Source: Rolls-Royce, 22 Feb, 10
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, and Bell Helicopter have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore options for the retrofit of the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopters with the RR500TS (turboshaft) engine. The RR500TS was launched in 2009 as part of the RR family of engines that includes the RR500 turboprop and turboshaft and [...]
Bell Named #1 in Customer Service for 16th consecutive year
Source: Bell, 22 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, once again was voted number one in customer service by the readers of Professional Pilot magazine. Ranking at the top in each of the seven categories, Bell has won this honor for the helicopter industry for the 16th consecutive year.
“For the past several years we have renewed [...]
Bell Academy Awarded Multi-Year Contract With the U.S. Government Service Administration
Source: Bell, 22 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the Bell Helicopter Training Academy has been awarded a five (5)-year contract with the U.S. Government Service Administration’s (GSA) Acquisition schedule. The academy’s entire course catalog has been added to the GSA schedule at Bell’s Fort Worth/Alliance location.
The GSA program streamlines the purchasing process for [...]
12 Bell Customer Service Facilities Achieve Platinum Rating
Source: Bell, 22 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today recognized 12 Customer Service Facilities (CSFs) as achieving Platinum-level ratings for 2010. “We are extremely pleased to announce the 2010 Platinum-level Customer Service Facilities,” said Danny Maldonado, senior vice president of customer support and chief services officer at Bell Helicopter. “We are proud to call these [...]
Honeywell Announces HTS900 Engine Upgrade For Bell 407 Operators
Source: Honeywell, 21 Feb, 10
Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it has teamed with Eagle Copters of Calgary, Alberta, to offer an HTS900 engine upgrade for the Bell 407 helicopter, called the Eagle 407 HP.
“Eagle 407 HP operators are going to see a big difference, especially flying cargo high or hot, because of a 26 percent increase in shaft [...]
Priority 1 Air Rescue Completes Bell 429 Hoist SAR Configuration Milestone
Source: Priority 1 Air Rescue, 21 Feb, 10
Priority 1 Air Rescue and Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited successfully completed the design engineering and Human External Cargo (HEC) load flight testing on Bell Helicopter’s new 429 in a search-and-rescue (SAR) configuration.
The 429 used in the testing was configured with specialized SAR equipment, including the 600-lb two- person-rated Goodrich hoist. Completing this joint SAR [...]
North Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service may be grounded for good
Source: ABC, 18 Feb, 10
The North Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service was operating a search and rescue service in the region, but in November last year it relinquished its aircraft because it failed to meet State Government guidelines.
Virginia State Police pilot nominated in All-Star contest
Source: America's Most Wanted, 17 Feb, 10
This follows an incident where Aviation Sergeant Don Childs safely landed his Bell 407 after being shot seven times (see HeliHub.com accident report)
Bell Helicopter to Hold Heli-Expo Press Conference Feb. 20
Source: Bell, 17 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter CEO John L. Garrison will brief the media on the world’s newest helicopter, Bell’s 429, as well as the company’s 2009 performance, 2010 plans, current aircraft programs and planned Heli-Expo 2010 activities during a press conference starting at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20.
The press conference is likely to be the only opportunity [...]
Aspen Avionics Announces STC for Bell 206 and 407
Source: Aspen Avionics, 17 Feb, 10
Aspen Avionics, Inc., manufacturer of the award-winning Evolution Flight Display System, announces the approval of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of the Aspen EFD1000H into the Bell 206 and Bell 407 model helicopters. This STC was developed in partnership with Keystone Helicopters.
The EFD1000H is the latest addition to the Evolution Flight Display System. [...]
URS to Exhibit Halo Flight Bell 407 & MD500/Sagem Panel
Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions, 16 Feb, 10
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS), Heli-Expo Booth #1617, will display a customised Air Medical Bell 407 one of two they completed for HALO-Flight of Corpus Christi.
URS will also have on display an MD500 panel they modified with the Sagem ICDS-8 cockpit display.
The 407 is configured with Chelton’s synthetic EFIS, provisions for Chelton Auto Pilot, WSI [...]
Abandoned helicopter finds new home in Malaga museum
10 Feb, 10
After arriving at Cordoba airport on 19 June 2001, this Bell 47 was never claimed by its owner despite public appeals.
Bell Helicopter won’t ignore its commercial side, new CEO says
Source: Star-Telegram, 10 Feb, 10
A rising tide of spending on the V-22 Osprey and on military helicopters has buoyed Bell Helicopter’s revenues and profits, but the company’s new CEO says he will not ignore the commercial side, which has suffered during the recession.
Bell 429 starts out on Asian tour
Source: Bell, 8 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter took the Bell 429 to Singapore for the start of a tour visiting operators in Asia.
The light, twin-engine helicopter was shipped from the final assembly facility at Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited in Mirabel, Quebec. It arrived in Singapore mid-January. There, Bell Helicopter pilots demonstrated the 429’s best-in-class performance and design features to [...]
Lagos State Police benefitting from two recently delivered Bell 412s
Source: Punch, 7 Feb, 10
Two Bell 412SPs were taken on charge in December 2009
Bell 429 Debuts at Singapore Airshow
Source: Bell, 4 Feb, 10
The world’s newest helicopter, the light, twin-engine Bell 429, debuts today at the Singapore Airshow exhibit of Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.
“The 429 represents Bell’s commitment to the commercial helicopter market and to invest in delivering aircraft and services that bring greater value to our customers,” said Bell President and CEO John [...]
Uruguay’s PLUNA starts helicopter service with a B206
Source: Mensajero Web, 4 Feb, 10
Uruguay’s airline PLUNA is branching out into rotary wing operations with the acquisition of a JetRanger
Bell in discussions to export V-22
Source: FlightGlobal, 4 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter is in discussions with overseas countries about the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor.
AH-1W Cobra crew complete integrated testing of APKWS – Operational assessment follows
Source: BAE Systems, 2 Feb, 10
Aviators from the U.S. Marine Corps completed the integrated test phase of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) program Jan. 5, firing five rounds against stationary and moving targets. All five shots hit their intended targets within 2 meters of the laser designator’s spot.
In the final series of shots in integrated testing, five laser-guided [...]
RCMP seize helicopter used to ferry drugs between U.S. and Canada
Source: Digital Journal, 2 Feb, 10
The Bell helicopter was hidden on a rural property in the interior of B.C. Cops say the chopper was of interest to them since 2007. HeliHub.com note that the registration of the subject B206 was cancelled in March 2007
Bell sees 2010 revenue up by around 16%, thanks to US military
Source: MoneyControl, 31 Jan, 10
Chief Executive John Garrison told Reuters in an interview that the company sees demand from commercial clients stabilising this year from a sharp drop during the financial crisis before returning to growth in 2011 and 2012
Ducommun announces long-term V-22 contract
Source: Ducommun, 29 Jan, 10
Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE: DCO) today announced that its Ducommun AeroStructures, Inc. (DAS) subsidiary has been awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for the V-22 Osprey titanium longeron assemblies. The V-22 Osprey is a multi-mission, military tiltrotor aircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. It is [...]
Osprey completes first humanitarian mission in Haiti
Source: ENC Today, 27 Jan, 10
The MV-22 Osprey, the Marines’ unique tiltrotor aircraft, completed its first humanitarian mission in Haiti on Sunday, according to Marines from Camp Lejeune’s 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Bell Names Kohler to Head Canada Operations
Source: Bell, 21 Jan, 10
Bell Helicopter, a Textron (NYSE: TXT) company, has promoted Barry Kohler, currently Bell’s vice president of Commercial Programs, to president of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited. He succeeds Eric Cardinali, who has been named senior vice president of Integrated Supply Chain for Textron’s Cessna Aircraft Company.
Kohler will now be responsible for Bell Helicopter Canada’s manufacturing, [...]
AnMed Health launches LifeFlight service
21 Jan, 10
LifeFlight uses a Bell 206 L4. This helicopter is a single engine aircraft that can handle up to four people, including the patient. LifeFlight’s Bell 206 will be upgraded to a Bell 407 later in 2010.
RACQ-CQ Rescue takes delivery of second Bell 412
Source: Daily Mercury, 21 Jan, 10
RACQ-CQ Rescue welcomed a new team member yesterday – a second Bell 412 helicopter. The helicopter, which landed at its new base at 2.30pm, will replace the single-engine SA360 Dauphin that has been with the service since April, 2004.
Pilot error caused death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister
Source: Outlook India, 21 Jan, 10
The helicopter crash which claimed the life of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S R Reddy was caused by pilots’ error who lost the chopper’s control and were engrossed for vital six minutes trying to locate a flight manual
HeliHub.com page for this accident is here
Elbit Systems Awarded $15.6M Contract for USMC AH-1W Tactical Video Data Link
Source: Elbit Systems, 20 Jan, 10
Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary Elbit Systems of America, LLC, has been awarded a contract from NAVAIR for Elbit Systems’ Tactical Video Data Link (TVDL) for the USMC AH-1W Attack Helicopter. The contract effort covers the development, production and installation of retrofit kits to incorporate TVDL into the AH-1W [...]
Settlement Reached in “The Final Season” Helicopter Crash Lawsuit
Source: KCRG, 18 Jan, 10
Accident involved Bell 206 N2877F on June 30, 2006
Haiti – Canada has two Bell 412s on scene, two more helicopters to follow
Source: Globe and Mail, 15 Jan, 10
It will also carry two CH-146 Griffon helicopters, part of batch of at least four helicopters being sent to help transport needed items through a country in rubble: another Griffon is to leave later Thursday on a cargo plane, and a Sea King will sail with the navy ships
Haiti – 22nd MEU heads out with UH-1 and CH-53 helicopters
Source: JD News, 15 Jan, 10
In addition to three Navy ships, the MEU will deploy with CH-53E Super Stallion and UH-1 Huey helicopters, as well as 7-ton trucks, forklifts and other earth-moving equipment, supplies and water purification instruments.
Elbit Awarded $8.2M Contract for Helmet Display and Tracker System (HDTS) for USMC AH-1W
Source: Elbit Systems of America, 13 Jan, 10
Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. ( ESLT) announced receipt of contracts from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for Elbit Systems of America Helmet Display and Tracker System (HDTS) for the USMC AH-1W Attack Helicopter. The contract effort covers the development of retrofit kits to incorporate HDTS [...]
FAA issues unapproved parts notification – UH-1H high skid tubes from Isolair
11 Jan, 10
No.: 2010 – 20080616008
Date: January 11, 2010
AFFECTED PRODUCTS:
High Cross Tubes, Part number 9002 installed on UH-1H model helicopters
Boeing Team Delivers 2 Osprey Trainers to US Marine Corps
Source: Bell-Boeing, 11 Jan, 10
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 11, 2010 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and partner Bell Helicopter delivered two MV-22 Osprey Containerized Flight Training Devices (CFTD) to the U.S. Marines at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in California in the last quarter of 2009.
“Before the deliveries to Miramar, Marines would have to spend months at a time in [...]