HELI-EXPO 2005 - Anaheim, CA - February 5, 2005 - Bell Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Michael Redenbaugh today announced that Bell Helicopter and Honeywell International have agreed to integrate the Honeywell HTS900 engine into the Bell 407 commercial product line. The 407 currently uses the Rolls Royce 250-C47B engine.

Commenting on the agreement Mr. Redenbaugh said, "Continual Improvement for our existing products is a cornerstone of Bell's commercial strategy in our drive to be the premier provider of vertical lift aircraft. In keeping with this strategy we have invested over $4M in reliability and maintainability upgrades (RMUs) on the 407 over the past 2 years. By adding the HTS900 to the 407 we are maintaining a path of spiral development that will bring performance improvement to existing products to ensure customers maintain their competitive advantage in the operator market."

The HTS900 powerplant represents a 15% improvement in installed power that will significantly improve the hot/high performance capability of the 407. The HTS900 incorporates and features new compressor technology for improved performance, producing more than 925 Shaft horsepower at Takeoff Power rating at sea level on a standard day. The engine is expected to deliver Specific Fuel Consumption levels of .54 lb per shaft horsepower or a 5% decrease from earlier Honeywell helicopter engines.

Speaking about the agreement Bob Miller, Director, Honeywell Utility and Light Helicopter Programs said, "Honeywell's commitment to the helicopter industry is to continually upgrade and improve its turboshaft engines for all rotor wing applications. Our engine enhancements give operators improved performance, reliability and reduced maintenance costs. The HTS900 will significantly improve Bell 407 performance."

Commenting on the 407, Executive Director of Light Helicopter Programs Shane Eddy said, "Bell investment over the last two years has driven the fielding of over 50 product improvements for the 407, which have reduced operating cost by as much as $20 per hour. Integration of the HTS900 engine into this platform is the next logical step in our spiral development plan. And while much has already been done to improve the 407, Bell will continue to research new technologies and methods to fuel the spiral development path for this product line."

The HTS900 integration program will be lead by Program Director Barry Kohler and is expected to complete in late 2006.

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