Tuesday
August 28, 2007
Second Bell 429 Joins Flight Test Program
Fort Worth, TX ( Bell Helicopter Press Release ) -
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, today released photos of the second 429 prototype on its maiden flight.
Bill Stromberg, executive director of the 429 program stated, "The 429 development program continues to meet or exceed all the requirements we put in front of it. This second aircraft will allow us to increase the pace of our test program as we progress towards our first deliveries late next year. We completed safety of flight testing and expansion of the flight envelope about one month faster than anticipated and didn't encounter unexpected design issues in this testing. The two aircraft will depart in September for hot and high testing in Colorado and Arizona and first flight by pilots from the certification authorities."
"This is a strong program and a great helicopter that clearly demonstrates Bell's commitment to the commercial marketplace," added Bob Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of business development.
Commenting on other outstanding program issues Stromberg added, "We are rapidly closing in on a final configuration and we are very confident that performance and handling qualities will meet our targets. The flight manual and maintenance manual are over 50% complete and long lead spare parts are on order to support initial deliveries to customers. Preparation of customer training curriculum and a flight training device are also progressing on schedule.
The 429, manufactured at Bell's production facility in Mirabel, Quebec, has generated wide spread appeal in the marketplace and currently has an order backlog of over 200 aircraft. The current development schedule has the 429 achieving FAA and Canadian certification simultaneously in 2008.
Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor 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.
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation.
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news: Bell Flies 429 New Rotor System for the First Time Feb 28, 2006
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