Fort Worth, TX - July 24, 2012 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that the Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil in Argentina has joined the growing number of countries who have approved the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429 based on Transport Canada's certification.
Transport Canada approved operation of the Bell 429 at 7,500 lbs. in January, 2012 after an extensive technical evaluation. The increased gross weight for the Bell 429 has been approved in eleven countries to date.
"We are very pleased to have Argentina's endorsement of the Bell 429," said Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter's executive vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "Bell Helicopter remains committed to the Argentine market and this endorsement reflects the strength of our relationships. Our aircraft, to include the 429, can be found operating in a multitude of missions with federal and state governments as well as with Argentine captains of industry.
"We look forward to furthering our ties in Argentina," added Maldonado. "Our history in Argentina dates back to 1947, when Bell Helicopter sent eleven Bell 47s for aerial application of pesticides."
The Bell Helicopter 429 is one of the most advanced light twin IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) helicopters ever developed. It is safe, reliable and powerful, and serves the full spectrum of segments (air medical, law enforcement, oil & gas, utility, corporate, etc). The 429 has set the standard for light twins, delivering exceptional speed, range, and hover performance.
The Bell 429 is certified for Single or Dual Pilot IFR, Cat. A / JAROPS Performance Class 1 at maximum gross weight; has a state of the art fully-integrated glass cockpit; an advanced drive system that delivers power and superb performance; best in class WAAS navigation & IFR capability; and is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process. The increased gross weight configuration includes Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System (HTAWS), a radar altimeter, cockpit voice/flight data recorder and forward flashing lights.
Contact
Susan Gordon
817-280-3726 (office)
sgordon@bh.com
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor 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.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, 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, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.