Bell launches 407GXP with 200 aircraft order from Air Methods

Bell has launched a new version of its best selling 407 series of helicopters with an order for 200 aircraft from Air Methods.

The Bell 407GXP is an upgrade from the 407GX that the company launched at the 2011 Heli-Expo exhibition.

As well as an updated avionics suite, the new Bell 407GXP features new Rolls-Royce M250 engines that improve upon the 407GXs fuel efficiency and performance.

Additionally, the 407GXP is projected to have lower maintenance costs thanks to a transmission TBO extension of 500 hours.

“The Bell 407GXP enhances customer value with improvements in mission capability,” said Matt Hasik, executive vice president of commercial business. “We are constantly communicating with our customers to find out what they are looking for in an aircraft, and we have invested in this upgrade to demonstrate our commitment to changing the way the world flies.”

Deliveries of the 200 helicopters are scheduled to begin in 2016, with the final aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026.

“We take great pride in our collaboration with Air Methods and our support of their life-saving services for more than 30 years with our state-of-the-art helicopters,” said John Garrison, president and CEO. “This order demonstrates their ongoing trust in Bell Helicopter, and we are absolutely thrilled to have them as our launch customer for the Bell 407GXP.”