Argentine Army Receiving its First Two Bell 407GXi Helicopters

Helis, March 19, 2025 - In January 2023, after a decade-long delay, Argentina finalized the acquisition of six Bell 407GXi helicopters through Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) funding. These helicopters, selected over the Airbus H125 due to a joint order procurement, will serve as the country's new mountain rescue aircraft, enhancing the capabilities of both the Argentine Army and Air Force. Each branch will operate three units, which are expected to complement and eventually replace the aging SA315B Lama fleet.

The Bell 407GXi's Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite provides enhanced situational awareness especially in adverse weather conditions while its powerful Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 engine ensures optimal performance at high altitudes, making the aircraft capable of flying in the challenging terrain of the Andes. This expands the operational window considerably compared to the Lama, which may have been primarily limited to visual flight rules.

The first of the six helicopters, designated H-111, was delivered to the Air Force in October 2023.

The first two helicopters for the Army, designated AE-340 and AE-341, were officially accepted on December 4, 2024, at Bell Flight's facility in the US and are currently in a ferry flight to Argentina.

By the end of the year, the remaining two for the Air Force are expected, and the sixth and final unit will be delivered to the Army in 2026.

General specifications of the Bell 407GXi include a standard seating capacity of one pilot and six passengers. It boasts a maximum cruise speed of 133 knots (246 km/h) and a range of 324 to 337 nautical miles (600 to 624 km), with a maximum endurance of 4 hours. The helicopter also features a substantial external load capacity of up to 1200 kg or 3100 lbs.

The acquired units are equipped with a rescue hoist, searchlight, a cabin configuration suitable for accommodating a stretcher, and the capability to carry cargo containers on either side. This specialized equipment directly supports the intended search and rescue (SAR) and utility missions.

The Argentine Army's Bell 407GXi helicopters will be based at the 8th Mountain Army Aviation Section (Sección de Aviación de Ejército de Montaña) 8, located in Mendoza. The Argentine Air Force's initial Bell 407GXi is currently operating from the IV Air Brigade (Brigada Aérea), also situated in the same western province and within the Andean region, directly in front of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere and a major tourist destination for hikers.