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Aviation / Aerospace

Bell Model 427


Light Twin-Engine Multirole Utility Helicopter [ 2000 ]



The Bell Model 427 failed to net market interest so the line was eventually discontinued in favor of the more promising Model 429 instead.



Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 11/18/2017 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

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The Bell Model 427 was a failed attempt by Bell Helicopters to produce a new twin-engine light platform for the civilian market (competing with the Agusta AW109, Airbus Helicopters EC145 and HAL Dhruv) based on its successful single-engined Bell Model 206/407. The Model 427 was differentiated by a twin-engine arrangement but carried the same four-bladed main rotor / two-bladed tail rotor configuration. First-flying on December 11th, 1997 and introduced in 2000, the series saw production span from 1997 and 2010 before the company nixed the model from its lineup in favor of the Model 429 offering instead (detailed elsewhere on this site). Only Argentina and the Czech Republic became operators of the short-lived Model 427.

The Model 427 was essentially another Bell attempt to generate market interest in a twin-engined form of its successful Model 206/407 lines. Work began, in conjunction with Samsung Aerospace Industries of South Korea, in the mid-1990s and its development was largely tied to Computer Aided Design (CAD) to keep costs in check. A prototype went airborne for the first time on December 11th, 1997 and certification followed in 1999-2000.

Much like the Model 206/407, the Model 427's design seated its crew in a side-by-side arrangement at the front with large transparent panels offering excellent vision out-of-the-cockpit. Entry-exit was by automobile-style hinged doors along the fuselage sides with larger doors featured at the passenger cabin area. Up to seven passengers could be carried. The cockpit showcased modern elements including two large interactive screens coupled with steam-type gauges.

Outwardly, the helicopter was given fine contouring where even its engine installations were well-embedded into the design to promote a sleek offering. The tail stem was elevated and held outboard horizontal/vertical planes and the main vertical stabilizer was featured at the extreme aft end of the aircraft. The stem also housed the drive shaft powering the two-bladed tail rotor (seated to portside). Over the passenger cabin were the two engines driving the four-bladed main rotor arrangement. The hub was of composite construction and the main rotor blades rigid.©MilitaryFactory.com
The engines were given full FADEC (Full-Authority Digital Engine Control) capability and encompassed 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D turboshaft types rated at 710 horsepower apiece. Performance specs included a maximum speed of 160 miles per hour, a cruising speed of 160 mph, a range out to 395 miles and a service ceiling of 10,000 feet. Rate-of-climb reached 2,000 feet-per-minute.

Dimensions included a length of 37.5 feet, a width (including the main rotor) of 37 feet and a height of 10.5 feet. Empty weight became 3,880lb against an MTOW of 6,550lb.

In 2004 the Model 427i was proposed which involved both South Korea and Japan industries. However, this product was given up in favor of the more promising Model 429. In 2008, the Model 427 line was officially axed by Bell Helicopters after only two foreign customers were secured (Argentine police and a private Czech operator).

The new Iranian PANHA Saba-248 helicopter is believed to be based on the short-lived Bell Model 427. This helicopter is detailed in its own entry elsewhere on this site.©MilitaryFactory.com
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

Specifications



Bell Helicopter - USA
Manufacturer(s)
Argentina; Czech Republic
Operators National flag of Argentina National flag of Czechia
2000
Service Year
United States
National Origin
Active, Limited
Project Status
1
Crew
30
Units


TRANSPORT
General transport functionality to move supplies/cargo or personnel (including wounded and VIP) over range.
VIP SERVICE
Used in the Very-Important-Person (VIP) passenger transport role, typically with above-average amenities and luxuries as standard.
INTELLIGENCE-SURVEILLANCE-RECONNAISSANCE
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.


37.5 ft
(11.42 meters)
Length
37.1 ft
(11.30 meters)
Width/Span
10.5 ft
(3.20 meters)
Height
3,858 lb
(1,750 kilograms)
Empty Weight
6,614 lb
(3,000 kilograms)
Maximum Take-Off Weight
+2,756 lb
(+1,250 kg)
Weight Difference


2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D turboshaft engines developing 710 horsepower each and driving a four-bladed main rotor and two-bladed tail rotor.
Propulsion
162 mph
(260 kph | 140 knots)
Max Speed
10,007 ft
(3,050 m | 2 miles)
Ceiling
454 miles
(730 km | 394 nm)
Range
2,000 ft/min
(610 m/min)
Rate-of-Climb


MACH Regime (Sonic)
Sub
Trans
Super
Hyper
HiHyper
ReEntry
RANGES (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hi-Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: >19030


None.


Model 427 - Base Series Designation.


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