Bell Model 427

History of Bell Model 427

The Bell Helicopter Model 427 was Bell Helicopter's failed attempt to produce a new twin-engine light platform for the civilian market (competing with the Agusta AW109, Airbus Helicopters EC145 and HAL Dhruv) based on its successful single-engine Bell Model 206/. 407. The Type 427 differed by a twin-engine layout, but with the same four-bladed main rotor/two-bladed tail rotor configuration.

The series first flew on December 11, 1997 and was introduced in 2000, with production spanning from 1997 to 2010, after which the company dropped the model from its lineup in favor of the Model 429 (other on this site). place for details). Only Argentina and the Czech Republic became operators of the short-term 427 model.

The

Model 427 was essentially another attempt by Bell to spark market interest in the twin-engine form of its successful 206/407 model line. Work began in the mid-1990s with South Korea's Samsung Aerospace Industries, and its development was primarily related to computer-aided design (CAD) to control costs.

The prototype first flew on December 11, 1997, and was certified in 1999-2000.

Similar to the 206/407 models, the 427 model was designed to provide its crew with side-by-side seats in the front, with large transparent panels providing excellent cockpit visibility. Access is via automotive-style hinged doors on the sides of the fuselage, with larger doors installed in the cabin area.

It can carry up to seven passengers. The cockpit features modern elements, including two large interactive screens and steam tables.

On the exterior, the helicopter is given a fine profile and even its engine mounts are well embedded in the design to elevate the elegant product. The tailstock is raised and away from the horizontal/vertical plane, and the main vertical stabilizer is located at the rearmost end of the aircraft. The shaft also houses the drive shaft that drives the twin-blade tail rotor (located on the port side).

Above the cabin are two engines that power the four-blade main rotor assembly. The hub is a composite structure and the main rotor blades are rigid.

Engine gains full FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) capability, including 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D turboshaft types, each rated at 710 hp. Performance specs include a top speed of 160 mph, a cruising speed of 160 mph, a range of up to 395 miles and a service ceiling of 10,000 feet.

Climb to 2,000 feet per minute.

Dimensions include 37.5 feet in length, 37 feet in width (including main rotor) and 10.5 feet in height. The curb weight is 3,880 pounds, and the MTOW is 6,550 pounds.

In 2004, the 427i model was proposed, involving Korean and Japanese industries. However, this product was abandoned in favor of the more promising 429 model.

In 2008, Bell Helicopter's 427 series was officially discontinued after only two foreign customers (Argentine police and a Czech private operator).

The new Iranian PANHA Saba-248 helicopter is believed to be based on the short-lived Bell 427. This helicopter is detailed in an entry elsewhere on this website.

Specifications for Bell Model 427

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