FORT WORTH, TX (April 15, 2013) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), drew significant attention last week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the 2013 LAAD Defense and Security International Exhibition. The biennial event attracted more than 25,000 visitors and provided Bell Helicopter representatives an opportunity to connect with current and potential customers throughout Latin America.
“We have seen tremendous interest in our products throughout this region,” said Jay Ortiz, managing director, Latin America Commercial Business. “LAAD allows us to visit with our Latin American customers and have further conversations with prospective customers about how Bell Helicopter can best meet their mission requirements.”
During the show, Bell Helicopter signed a purchase agreement for a Bell 429, one of Bell Helicopter’s most popular aircraft in the region. The light twin aircraft delivers exceptional speed, range and safety performance, and is a best-seller for corporate/VIP markets worldwide. Backed by Bell Helicopter’s industry-leading service and support, it is a formidable competitor in the region.
“The Bell 429 is an outstanding aircraft for our customers in Latin America,” said Ortiz. “Our customers repeatedly tell us the aircraft’s performance, reliability and cabin configuration options make it ideal for corporate and VIP missions.”
On display at the Bell Helicopter booth, the new Bell 407GT attracted crowds of customers and enthusiasts alike. The only helicopter on display inside the pavilion, it was consistently surrounded by show attendees and provided numerous opportunities for Bell Helicopter representatives to educate customers about the capabilities of the commercially-qualified helicopter possessing armament capabilities.
The Bell 407GT, unveiled at HELI-EXPO 2013, features a Garmin G1000HTM glass cockpit and a highly flexible and configurable weapons system for tactical operations, including infrared camera system with laser designation capability, weapons management system, universal weapons pylon (UWP), tactical radio suite and aircraft survivability equipment.
The Bell 407GT also features a night vision-compatible instrument panel and superior long-range reconnaissance and laser designation capabilities, with options including the Wescam MX-15DI and the FLIR Systems 230-HD. High-visibility windows and doors, sliding on both sides for rapid ingress and egress, also enhance situational awareness. A suite of aircraft survivability equipment is available to further enhance safety.
The Bell 429 is certified for Single or Dual Pilot IFR with a state-of-the-art fully-integrated glass cockpit, an advanced drive system that delivers power and superb performance and best-in-class WAAS navigation. The Bell 429 offers exceptional value as the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operators. Certified to operate at 7,500 pounds in seventeen countries, including Brazil, the increased gross weight configuration includes Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System (HTAWS), a radar altimeter, cockpit voice/flight data recorder and forward flashing lights.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
