Bell 407GT Helicopter Takes Back the Night from Poachers in South Africa

September 16, 2016

Operated by Rhino 911, an anti-poaching initiative launched by BBM Inc and Heli Africa Wildlife, the Bell 407GT equipped with advanced night vision and thermal imaging is a game changer against poaching

African Aerospace and Defence, South Africa (September 16, 2016)Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is proud to announce that Rhino911, a non-profit organization established by Fred Hees, President of BBM Inc. USA , in cooperation with Heli Africa Wildlife, the operator, will use the Bell 407GT to combat Rhino poaching to curb the rising number of Rhino kills in South Africa and surging demand for illegal Rhino horn.

Download all Rhino911 photos here

Rhino911’s goal is to stop the poachers long before they reach their targets. Unlike any other active anti-poaching effort, Rhino911 benefits from tactical air assets and support groups flying the specially equipped Bell 407 helicopter. Operators will find and intercept poachers of Rhinos and other endangered species from extended ranges with advanced night vision (NV) and FLIR/WESCAM thermal imaging and other advanced sensors. The sensors on the Bell 407GT are capable of discerning and tracking personnel from extreme distance as well as analyzing and pinpointing possible hides and entrance, exit routes poachers use, allowing timely and effective action by law enforcement authorities.

“As a South African, I wanted make a difference and help save the Rhino species from extinction,” said Fred Hees, President of BBM Inc. “Currently, a major challenge facing counter-poaching helicopter pilots is that they are not equipped with night vision and sensing systems, so they cannot operate at night and track poachers before or during the act. Our Bell 407GT and other Bell helicopters will change this equation entirely; we are able to fly day or night, isolate, track and pinpoint intruders to support anti-poaching efforts.”

“Rhino911 is a fantastic initiative and we are proud that the Bell 407GT will take part in this adventure with BBM Inc.,” said Patrick Moulay, EVP Global Sales, Bell Helicopter. “The advanced Bell 407 helicopters can operate far beyond the visual range of the poachers, are camouflaged, fitted with low visibility, low-noise blades and equipped with reinforced under-carriages, designed to protect the crew from hostile action.”

The Bell 407 platform benefits from class leading performance, payload capability and operating economics, ideal for accomplishing multiple missions including anti-poaching. With over 1300 Bell 407 helicopters operating around the world in a variety of missions from parabublic, HEMS, SAR and corporate transport, the aircraft has proven its versatility and can easily be retrofitted with kits to accomplish a variety of missions. The M250 Rolls-Royce engine boosts power and fuel efficiency delivering best in class hot and high performance, perfect for the hot African climates.

Rhino911 has been in contact with the relevant government authorities in RSA and will soon be contacting and collaborating detailed operational plans with existing Rhino and anti-poaching groups, private Rhino reserves, the Rhino Owners Association and key role-players in the Game Industry in order to ensure that all parties tackle the poachers in a holistic and controlled manner.


Members of Heli Africa Wildlife working with Rhinos in one of the Game Reserves and the Bell 407GT

Follow the Bell 407GT in action with Rhino911 on Facebook @Rhino911

-1-

Press Contact:
VIRGINIE BRIZARD
+33 781 84 86 63
mediarelations@bh.com
Online Media Kit
Facebook |Twitter |YouTube

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, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of commercial products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; volatility in interest rates or foreign exchange rates; risks related to our international business, including establishing and maintaining facilities in locations around the world and relying on joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers, representatives, consultants and other business partners in connection with international business, including in emerging market countries.

Connect with Textron IR

David Rosenberg, Vice President, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288
Kyle Williams, Manager, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288

Email Alert

Enter your Email *
Mailing Lists *





 
Enter the code shown above.