Bell Launches Improved 407GXi

Bell launched the upgraded Bell 407GXi at Heli-Expo 2018 this week featuring the Garmin G1000H NXi avionics system and new Fadec-controlled Rolls-Royce engine along with an upgraded executive cabin.

The 407GXi gained its Transport Canada type certificate on January 19 and will begin reaching customers this spring, Bell said. The new model replaces the 407 GXP, adding a second Fadec channel for redundancy to the light single.

“We are always looking at ways to innovate our current product line to provide our customers with the most capable, dependable, and technologically advanced aircraft in the market,” said Susan Griffin, executive vice president, Commercial Business for Bell. “The Bell 407GXi delivers improved pilot awareness, higher precision navigation, enhanced engine controls and improved connectivity.”

Garmin’s NXi Integrated Flight Deck incorporates higher-definition displays and faster processors that enable additional features as well as increased brightness and clarity, faster startup and map rendering and connectivity to tablets and smartphones.

The 407GXi benefits greatly from the new Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 turbine engine, which Bell said delivers better hot and high performance, fuel efficiency and a 133 knot top cruise speed. Finally, newly designed executive configuration options bring a “modernized look and passenger experience” to the five-seat club cabin, Bell said.

Additional options for the 407GXi include the Garmin FlightStream 510 that lets pilots upload flight plans from smart devices, Garmin SurfaceWatch that provides runway identification and airport surface alerting technology, a 3,100-pound cargo hook and a health usage monitoring (HUMS) for aircraft system diagnostics.