FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (April 20, 2016) – Bell Helicopter and Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) companies, have announced their participation at the 2016 Aero Friedrichshafen exhibition held April 20-23 at the Friedrichshafen Airport. Textron will be displaying in Hall A3, Chalet 127, with aircraft on static at SD17.
Bell Helicopter
This year, Bell Helicopter is showcasing its latest in production commercial aircraft at Aero Friedrichshafen, including the Bell 407 GXP and the Bell 429.
“At Bell Helicopter we aim to provide our customers with the best overall value,” said Jakub Hoda, Regional Sales Director, Europe & Russia. “In this environment, customers are choosing Bell Helicopter over the competition based on the performance capabilities, reliability and lifecycle costs our products provide to the most demanding missions. We are noticing an increase in demand for the Bell 407, particularly in Western Europe.”
The Bell 407GXP is the latest upgrade to the best-selling Bell 407 platform, with added value through class leading performance, payload capability and operating economics. With an additional 50 lbs (22.5 kg) of carrying capability, coupled with the new M250 Rolls-Royce engine that boosts power and fuel efficiency, the Bell 407GXP delivers best in class hot and high performance. The aircraft also features avionics improvements in the weight and balance pages, as well as a transmission TBO extension of +500 hours. The Bell 429 is one of the most advanced light twin helicopters ever developed, offering a fully integrated glass cockpit with advanced drive system and best-in-class WAAS navigation and IFR capability. Additional safety features include a collective mounted throttle, damage tolerant hub and rotor system, and energy attenuating seats. It is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operation.
Textron Aviation
Textron Aviation is highlighting its broad lineup of business jets, turboprops and piston products, including the show debut of the Cessna Citation CJ3+ light jet and its Fusion-equipped Beechcraft King Air 250 turboprop.
“Textron Aviation continues to lead the German market with more than 300 business jets and turboprops in region,” said Tom Perry, vice president of Sales, Europe. “Displaying at Aero Friedrichshafen gives us the opportunity to talk firsthand with our customers in region and showcase our industry-leading products and services to the growing European market.”
Representing the company’s leading light jet platforms are the Cessna Citation CJ3+ and Cessna Citation M2. The combination of short field capability, excellent range and low operating costs, are key features that make the single-pilot Citation CJ3+ the ideal choice for owners and operators. Since entering the market two years ago, the Citation M2 has quickly become the best-selling business jet in its class, with more than 100 aircraft delivered around the world.
Making its show debut, is the recently EASA certified Beechcraft King Air 250 with new Fusion avionics and interior enhancements. Pro Line Fusion for the King Air brings one of the most trusted avionics architectures to the first full touchscreen flight display. Alongside the King Air 250, Textron Aviation will display the Cessna Grand Caravan EX single-engine utility turboprop, engineered for challenging missions, high payloads and short, rough runways while delivering single-engine economy and simplicity.
Representing Textron Aviation’s robust piston product line, the Cessna TTx, Cessna Skylane and Cessna Turbo Skyhawk JT-A will also be on display throughout the week. The company’s diverse piston products are known throughout the industry for their proven performance and exceptional mission capabilities. Further building on its leadership in flight training, the Turbo Skyhawk JT-A is expected to receive EASA and FAA certification this year, combining the reliability of the Skyhawk with the innovative diesel technology ideally suited for the Europeanregion.
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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 Aviation
Textron Aviation Inc. is the leading general aviation authority and home to the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. The Textron Aviation companies include Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation, bringing together decades of unmatched experience in designing, building and supporting airplanes. It provides the most versatile and comprehensive general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft, and a complete global customer service organization. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation and Hawker business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry’s most capable service network. For more information, visit: textronaviation.com.
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, Textron Systems and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit www.textron.com.
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