Friday
September 13, 2002 :
Bell 407 Used to Re-Supply Navy Ships at Sea
FORT WORTH, TEXAS USA ( Bell Helicopters Press Release ) -
The versatile Bell 407 has added another unique mission to its capability list.
For the last several months Air Center Helicopters Inc. has been using Bell 407s to fulfill a contract
it has with the U.S. Navy. Citing the speed, range and reliability of the 407, Rod Tinney,
President and CEO of Air Center Helicopters said, "The 407 is perfectly suited for these
missions. It's flight performance coupled with the useful load and direct operating costs
provide an efficient and economical platform for us to meet mission requirements."
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The U.S. Navy contract Air Center Helicopters has to provide re-supply and logistical
support such as aerial photography, aerial drone recovery deck landing training and other
services to Navy ships at sea. Air Center began flying the missions in 1988 and was put on
contract in 1990. They fly between 4 to 6 missions a month. The longest offshore trip flown
was 174 miles. Missions are flown off the East and West coasts as well around Hawaii.
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company, is a $l.4 billion leading producer of commercial
and military helicopters, and the pioneer of revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally
recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce
of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over l20 countries.
Textron Inc. is a $12 billion multi-industry company with more than 51,000 employees
in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of businesses to provide customers
with innovative solutions and services in industries such as aircraft, fastening systems,
industrial products, industrial components and finance. Textron is known around the world for
its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and
Greenlee, among others.
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