Bell 407

File:CBOSS Bell 407.jpg 2008]]

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 LongRanger.Frawley, Gerard. The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004, p. 47. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. {{ISBN|1-875671-58-7}}. A 206L-3 LongRanger 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 demonstrator was first flown in 1994, and the 407 program was publicly announced at the Heli-Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 1995.{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-launches-model-407-22595/bell-launches-model-407.html|title=Bell launches Model 407|access-date= 9 April 2023|author= |last= |first= |author-link= |work= Flight International|date= February 8, 1995 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121114154301/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-launches-model-407-22595/|archive-date= November 14, 2012|url-status= dead}} The first 407 prototype (C-GFOS) accomplished its maiden flight on June 29, 1995, and the second prototype (C-FORS) followed on July 13, 1995. After a short development program, the first production 407 (C-FWQY/N407BT) flew on November 10, 1995.

The Bell 407 features the four-blade main rotor developed for the OH-58D (Model 406). The blades and hub use composite construction without life limits, and provide better performance and a more comfortable ride. The 407's fuselage is {{convert|8|in|cm}} wider, increasing internal cabin space, and includes 35% larger main cabin windows. The more powerful Rolls-Royce/Allison 250-C47 turboshaft allows an increase in Maximum Takeoff Weight and improves performance at hotter temperatures and/or higher altitudes. The helicopter has standard seating for two crew and five cabin seats."Bell 407". Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems. Couldson, Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2010. [http://search.janes.com/Search/documentView.do?docId=/content1/janesdata/binder/jhms/jhms4995.htm@current&pageSelected=allJanes&keyword=Bell%20407&backPath=http://search.janes.com/Search&Prod_Name=JHMS& subscription article, posted April 13, 2010]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}.

The 407 was certificated by Transport Canada on February 9, 1996, with the FAA following shortly after on February 23.[http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/frtypen/FRB407.htm "Bell Helicopter 407"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100203181337/http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/frtypen/FRB407.htm |date=February 3, 2010 }}. Flug Revue, March 19, 2001. 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. 1,400+ by Dec 2017, and over 1600 were produced by early 2023.{{Cite web |last=Huber |first=Mark |title=Life Flight Network Adds Four Bell 407GXi Helicopters {{!}} AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-02-06/life-flight-network-adds-four-bell-407gxi-helicopters |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Aviation International News}}

The ARH-70 armed reconnaissance helicopter, developed for the U.S. Army was based on the 407, but was later canceled on October 16, 2008.{{cite web|publisher=defenselink.mil |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12288 |title=Dod Announces Non-Certification Of Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Program |access-date=2008-10-17| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081022162302/http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12288| archive-date= 22 October 2008 | url-status= live}}

The Bell 417 was a growth variant of the Bell 407, in essence a civil version of the Bell ARH-70. The 417 made its first flight on June 8, 2006.{{cite magazine |date=October 2006 |title=Bell 417 achieves first flight |magazine=Rotorbreeze |volume=55 |issue=3 |page=12}} The 417 was to be powered by a Honeywell HTS900 turboshaft engine, producing {{convert|970|shp|abbr=on}} and includes full FADEC controls. The cabin sat five passengers in club-seating configuration, in addition to the crew of two.{{cite web |url=http://www.bellhelicopter.textron.com/en/companyInfo/pressReleases/PR_060226_417Unveiled.cfm |publisher=textron.com |title=Bell Helicopter Unveils New Bell 417 |access-date=2006-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061124101725/http://www.bellhelicopter.textron.com/en/companyInfo/pressReleases/PR_060226_417Unveiled.cfm |archive-date=24 November 2006 |url-status=dead }} The civilian 417 was canceled at Heli-Expo 2007 in Orlando.{{cite web |publisher=aviationtoday.com |url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/personalcorporate/exectransport/9817.html |title=Bell Scraps Year-Old 417, Finding No Market |access-date=2007-06-03 |archive-date=December 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210163157/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/personalcorporate/exectransport/9817.html |url-status=dead }}

File:Bell 407 GX Cockpit in 2011.jpg

On March 4, 2013, Bell unveiled a new armed version of the Bell 407GX, named the 407GT. It incorporates the Garmin G1000HTM flight deck to easily provide flight information. It can include infrared cameras, various armaments, and equipment to perform different missions such as armed transport, search-and-rescue, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation. The GT version uses the Universal Weapons Pylon, derived from the Bell OH-58 Kiowa, to carry different weapons including machine guns, rockets, and anti-armor missiles.[http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en_US/News/PressReleases/NewsRelease/NewsRelease.html?ReleaseID=1792180 "Bell Helicopter Introduces Increased Mission Capability with the Bell 407GT"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315134602/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en_US/News/PressReleases/NewsRelease/NewsRelease.html?ReleaseID=1792180 |date=2013-03-15 }}. Bell Helicopter, March 4, 2013.[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/baes-apkws-rockets-integrated-on-bells-new-model-407gt-383032/ "BAE’s APKWS rockets integrated on Bell’s new Model 407GT"]. FlightGlobal, March 5, 2013.

Bell made delivery of the first production 407 at Heli-Expo, in Dallas, Texas in February 1996. Launch customers for the aircraft were Petroleum Helicopters International (PHI), Niagara Helicopters, and Greenland Air.[http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/commercial/bell407_extras.cfm "History of the Bell Helicopter 407"] Bell Helicopter. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922194027/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/commercial/bell407_extras.cfm |date=September 22, 2010}}.

On 23 May 2007, Colin Bodill and Jennifer Murray completed a record pole-to-pole around the world flight using a standard Bell 407. The flight originated from Bell's facility at the Fort Worth Alliance Airport on December 5, 2006. The team flew about {{convert|36000|mi|km|sigfig=2}} over 189 days and 300 flight hours, through 34 countries. The project, named Polar First, was performed in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society to provide educational outreach to 28 international schools, which were visited during the trip. The project also served as a fundraiser for the SOS Children's Villages.{{cite magazine |title=Polar First Sets World Record |magazine=Rotorbreeze |date=July 2007}}

In 2009 the Iraqi Air Force ordered three Bell 407 armed scout helicopters (similar to the canceled ARH-70)."Bell 407s Ordered for Iraq". Air International, April 2009, Vol 76, No. 4. p. 7. A contract for 24 additional Bell 407s with an option for 26 more was awarded in April of that same year.[http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/pressReleases/PR_09_0428_407s_toIraq.cfm "Bell Helicopter Sells 24 Model 407 Helicopters Destined for Iraqi Air Force"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508143301/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/pressReleases/PR_09_0428_407s_toIraq.cfm |date=May 8, 2009 }}. Bell Helicopter, April 29, 2009. The U.S. Army is managing modifications and installation of military equipment on the helicopters."Huntsville Times", pp. A1, A10. November 29, 2009. [http://blog.al.com/breaking/2009/11/army_helping_iraq_buy_helicopt.html online version]. Three training T-407s were delivered to the Iraqi Army in 2010. Armed IA-407s were delivered in eight batches of three aircraft from August 2012 to April 2013. The final Bell 407 for Iraq was delivered on 3 April 2013.[https://www.army.mil/article/103569/ Army makes final delivery of IA-407s to the Iraqis] - Army.mil, 21 May 2013 There are 30 in service; 24 armed scouts, three gunships, and three trainers.[http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/20130129.aspx "More For The Iraq Army Air Corps"]. Strategypage.com, January 29, 2013.

Iraq is using the IA-407 in operations against Islamic State militants. On October 8, 2014, militants shot down an IA-407 using a shoulder-fired ground-to-air missile, killing the pilot and co-pilot.[http://www.armytimes.com/article/20141008/NEWS08/310080035/IS-downs-another-Iraqi-helicopter "IS downs another Iraqi helicopter"]. Armytimes.com, 8 October 2014{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/09/world/middleeast/isis-iraq-violence.html|title=ISIS Militants Shoot Down Iraqi Helicopter, Killing 2|work=The New York Times |date=October 8, 2014 |last1=Semple |first1=Kirk |last2=Al-Jawoshy |first2=Omar }}

In December 2017, more than 1,400 were operating.{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2017-12-13/bell-canada-delivers-5000th-civil-helicopter |title= Bell Canada Delivers 5,000th Civil Helicopter |author= Mark Huber |date= December 13, 2017 |work= AIN}}

File:HP650.jpg Bell 407]]

;Bell 407: A civil utility helicopter, a derivative of the Bell 206L-4.

;ARH-70: An upgraded 407 version to serve as an armed reconnaissance helicopter.

;Bell 417: Planned civil version of the ARH-70, was canceled.

;Bell 407 Light Observation Helicopter: A military reconnaissance version.

;Eagle 407 HP: Version from Eagle Copter (Alberta, Canada) with a more powerful Honeywell HTS900 engine, rated at {{convert|1021|shp|kW|sigfig=2|abbr=on|adj=on}}.[http://www51.honeywell.com/honeywell/news-events/press-releases-details/02.21.10HTS900UpgradeforB407.html?c=31 "Honeywell Announces HTS900 Engine Upgrade For Bell 407 Operators"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718022537/http://www51.honeywell.com/honeywell/news-events/press-releases-details/02.21.10HTS900UpgradeforB407.html?c=31 |date=July 18, 2011 }}. Honeywell, February 21, 2010.Thurber, Matt. [https://archive.today/20110707100718/http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/eagle-407-soars-with-honeywell-engine/ "Eagle 407 soars with Honeywell engine"]. ainonline.com, February 21, 2010.

;Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) version being developed by Northrop Grumman and Bell Helicopter as a cargo resupply demonstrator.Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/05/04/341471/pictures-northrop-offers-fire-x-concept-for-unmanned.html "Northrop offers Fire-X concept for unmanned resupply"]. FlightGlobal, May 4, 2010.Warwick, Graham.[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/asd/2010/09/30/09.xml&headline=Northrop,%20Bell%20Power%20Up%20Unmanned%20Fire-X&channel=defense "Northrop, Bell Power Up Unmanned Fire-X"] {{dead link|date=January 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}. Aviation Week, September 30, 2010.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a10m2T1u0c4&feature=player_embedded "Fire-X Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System" video]. Northrop Grumman media via youtube.com. Retrieved 11 October 2010. The test aircraft flew on 10 December 2010 at the Yuma Proving Ground.{{cite web |url=http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/pressReleases/PR_10_1215_Fire-X_UVS.cfm |title=Bell Helicopter and Northrop Grumman Successfully Test Fire-X Unmanned Vertical System |access-date=2011-01-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229173937/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/pressReleases/PR_10_1215_Fire-X_UVS.cfm |archive-date=2010-12-29 }} In February 2011, the US Navy's budget request for 2012 included funds to buy 12 Fire-X helicopters under the designation MQ-8C.Warwick, Graham. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2011/02/17/02.xml&headline=U.S.%20Navy%20Wants%20Larger%20Fire%20Scout%20Airframe "U.S. Navy Wants Larger Fire Scout Airframe"]{{Dead link |date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}. Aviation Week, February 17, 2011.

File:Bell 407 GT.JPG

;Bell 407AH: An armed civil-certified version for use with government and security forces.Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/03/08/353964/he11-bell-helicopter-unveils-first-certified-armed.html "Bell Helicopter unveils first certified armed 407s"] Flight International, March 8, 2011.

;Bell 407GX: Version of the 407 that features the new Garmin G1000 H-model glass cockpit along with improved avionics and improved flight controls.{{cite magazine |last=Pope |first=Stephen |url= http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/helicopters/bell-407gx |title=Bell 407GX |magazine=Flying Magazine |date= June 9, 2011}}

;Bell 407GT: Armed version of the 407GX.

;Bell 407GXP:Marketing designation for the 407 with Rolls-Royce 250-C47B/8 engine and Garmin G1000H avionics.{{cite web |url=http://www.bell407gxp.com/ |title=Bell 407GXP |publisher=Bell |access-date=August 5, 2015 |archive-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120063649/http://www.bell407gxp.com/ |url-status=dead }}

;Bell 407GXi:Marketing designation for the 407 with Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 engine and Garmin G1000H NXi avionics.

The Bell 407 is in civil service around the world with airlines, corporations, hospitals, government operators, and private individuals. It is also in service with several military operators.

;{{ARG}}

• Argentine Air Force{{Cite web |last=Redacción |date=2023-05-31 |title=Bell Textron y CCC anuncian la venta de los seis Bell 407GXi para el Ejército y Fuerza Aérea Argentina |url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2023/05/31/bell-textron-y-ccc-anuncian-la-venta-de-los-seis-bell-407gxi-para-las-fuerzas-armadas-argentinas/ |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Zona Militar |language=es}}
• Argentine Army

;{{BAN}}

• Rapid Action Battalion{{cite web|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/who-ordered-shooting-helicopter-917596|title=Who ordered shooting from helicopter?|date=15 August 2024|access-date=22 April 2025|website=The Business Standard}}

;{{GUA}}

• Guatemalan Air Force{{cite news |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688|title = World Air Forces 2023|newspaper = Flight Global|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2022 |doi = |access-date= 23 November 2022}}

File:United States - Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Bell 407 N407DG cn 53697 (4587920314).jpg]]

;{{IRQ}}

• Iraqi Army

;{{JAM}}

• Jamaica Defence Force{{cite web |title=World Air Forces 2013 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |url=http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oGdV94VQBRNhwARipXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE1dmxiY2luBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA1ZJUDAyNl8xMDc-/SIG=13iba327p/EXP=1359005176/**http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf |access-date=2013-06-02}}{{dead link |date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

;{{MEX}}

• Mexican Air Force

;{{NEP}}

• Nepalese Army Air Service{{cite web|url=https://helihub.com/2018/12/05/nepalese-army-receives-bell-407gxp/ |title=Nepalese Army receives Bell 407GXP |publisher= helihub.com |date=December 5, 2018|accessdate=5 Dec 2018}}

;{{PAN}}

• National Aeronaval Service{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=75345 |title= World Air Forces 2021 |work= FlightGlobal |date= 4 December 2020 |access-date= 5 January 2021}}

;{{UAE}}

• United Arab Emirates Air Force

;{{USA}}

• United States Army: 5 units{{clarify|date=December 2024}}https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507

On June 4, 2022, Bell 407 GXP, N98ZA, was substantially damaged in an accident near Fairfield, New Jersey. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. Investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the tail rotor crosshead drive plate was not bolted to the tail rotor crosshead. The tail rotor had been installed the day before; it was suspected that the bolts were not properly torqued.[https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/105184/pdf "NTSB preliminary report for accident number ERA22FA257"]. NTSB

On June 8, 2022 a Bell 407 had an inflight separation of its tail boom while in cruise flight near Kalea, Hawaii. The pilot and two passengers sustained serious injuries, while three other passengers had minor injuries. The helicopter was substantially damaged during the crash. The US NTSB determined that the upper-left tail boom attachment hardware was not installed, leaving only three of four attachment points connected. Wreckage markings indicated that the bolt had been present at one point but had fallen out, resulting in progressive fatigue cracking. The NTSB requested immediate action from the US FAA and Transport Canada in the form of an urgent airworthiness directive.{{cite web|url= https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AIR2210.pdf|title= Require Immediate Inspection of Bell 407 Tail Boom Attachment Hardware and Fittings|access-date= 6 December 2022|author= NTSB|author-link= National Transportation Safety Board|work= ntsb.gov|date= 1 December 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221203052204/https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AIR2210.pdf|archive-date= 3 December 2022|url-status= live}}{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/flight-safety/accidents-ntsb/ntsb-recommends-immediate-bell-407-inspections/|title= NTSB Recommends Immediate Bell 407 Inspections|access-date= 6 December 2022|last= O'Connor|first= Kate|work= AVweb|date= 5 December 2022 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20221206130913/https://www.avweb.com/flight-safety/accidents-ntsb/ntsb-recommends-immediate-bell-407-inspections/|archive-date= 6 December 2022|url-status= live}}

File:Bell 407 orthographical image.svg

{{Aircraft specs

|ref= Bell 407{{cite web|title=Product Specifications: Bell 407 |url=http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/commercial/bell407_prodSpecs.cfm |publisher=bellhelicopter.com |access-date=2008-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302120630/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/commercial/bell407_prodSpecs.cfm |archive-date=2 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}

|prime units?=kts

|crew=one pilot

|capacity=Typical seating configuration for seven comprising pilot and passengers, with five passengers in main cabin / {{cvt|2347|lb|0}} internal payload / Max hook capacity {{cvt|1200|kg|0}}.

|length ft=41

|length in=8

|length note=

|width ft=

|width in=

|width note=

|height ft=11

|height in=8

|height note=

|empty weight lb=

|empty weight note=

|gross weight lb=

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight lb=6000

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|more general=

|eng1 number=1

|eng1 name=Allison 250-C47B

|eng1 type=turboshaft engine

|eng1 kw=

|eng1 hp=

|eng1 shp=813

|eng1 note=

|rot number=1

|rot dia ft=35

|rot dia in=0

|rot area sqft=962

|rot area note=

• Blade section: - root: Boeing VR-7; tip: Narramore 8%{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}

|max speed kts=140

|max speed note=

|cruise speed kts=133

|cruise speed note=

|never exceed speed kts=

|never exceed speed note=

|range nmi=324

|range note=

|ferry range nmi=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling ft=18690

|ceiling note=

|climb rate ftmin=

|climb rate note=

|time to altitude=

|disk loading lb/sqft=

|disk loading note=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=

|power/mass=

|more performance=

|avionics=

}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

|related=

• Bell 206
• Bell 400A
• Bell 427
• Bell ARH-70 Arapaho
• Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout

|similar aircraft=

• AgustaWestland AW119 Koala
• Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil
• Eurocopter Fennec
• Eurocopter EC120 Colibri
• Eurocopter EC130
• Eurocopter EC135
• Kopter AW09
• MD Helicopters MD 600
• Kazan Ansat

|lists=

• List of most produced rotorcraft

}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite web |url=https://www.univision.com/univision-news/latin-america/flying-for-a-kingpin-the-revelations-of-el-chapo-guzmans-personal-pilot |title=Revelations of 'El Chapo' Guzmán's personal pilot |work=Univision |date=January 30, 2017}} (El Chapo bought a Bell 407 helicopter on the advice of his personal pilot.)

{{Commons category|Bell 407}}

• [http://www.bellhelicopter.com/commercial/bell-407gxp Bell 407GXP page on BellHelicopter.com site]
• {{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-08-16/pilot-report-bell-407gxi |title= Pilot Report: Bell 407GXi |author= Alexa Rexroth |date= August 16, 2018 |work= AIN online}}

{{JetRanger family}}

{{Bell Aircraft}}

407

Category:1990s United States helicopters

Category:1990s United States civil utility aircraft

Category:1990s Canadian helicopters

Category:1990s Canadian civil utility aircraft

Category:Single-turbine helicopters

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1995

Category:Single-rotor helicopters

Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear