The Bangladesh Army has made a follow on order for 5 additional Bell 407GXi utility helicopters to be purchased from the US aircraft manufacturer.
Previously in 2021 the Army inducted two Bell 407GXi utility helicopters becoming one of the first export customers of the newly built Bell 407 variant. With the latest order the Bangladesh Army has become one of the larger military operators of the Bell 407GXi helicopters in the world.
The matter was verified through official government audit documents, however Bell has not released any information publicly.
The Bell 407GXi is a multi-role utility helicopter that improves upon the previous Bell 407GXP combining a new interior design with enhanced payload capacity.
The helicopter has an empty weight of 1,224kg and can carry up to 2,772kg of external load. It has the capacity to carry a maximum useful load of 1,043kg.
The modular design of the helicopter enables it to perform observation, training, VVIP transporting, and helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) missions.
The Bell 407GXi helicopter is fitted with a Garmin G1000H integrated avionics suite, featuring 10.4in high-definition LCD screens and primary flight displays (PFDs). It features advanced processing equipment, which provides necessary information to increase the situational awareness, while easing the workload of pilots.
The hyperspectral imaging system (HSI) mapping technology on-board the cockpit offers maps and astute insights to the pilots.
The flight deck further incorporates a traffic information system (TIS), helicopter terrain avoidance warning system (HTAWS), tail rotor camera displays, and Garmin helicopter synthetic vision technology (HSVT).
The on-board power situation indicator (PSI) provides precise information of the power settings. Intercom system is integrated with the engine indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS), which provides audio alerts during an emergency.
Navigation systems on-board the Bell 407GXi include a very high-frequency communication (VHF COM) transceiver, glideslope receivers GPS / WAAS receiver, and a GTX 335R Extended Squitter (ES) Mode S transponder.
The helicopter features a spacious 2.4m³ cabin, which offers seating for a pilot and six passengers in standard configuration. The cabin configuration can be altered as required and the seats can be customised in grey, black, blue, and two-tone leather colours.
The ergonomic design of the cabin allows maximum sunlight into the cabin and increases the surrounding view and visibility for the passengers. The helicopter is further equipped with soundproofing technology for reducing the noise levels in the cabin.
The modular cabin can be installed with mission-specific equipment such as a 155cm bi-fold door for easy loading and unloading of patients. The capability to operate in extreme weather conditions at high altitudes to deliver enhanced surveillance makes it the best fit for parapublic missions.
The Bell 407GXi helicopter is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 engine. The turboshaft engine features a dual digital full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system. It develops a maximum take-off power of 643kW (862shp).
The main and auxiliary tanks on-board the helicopter can carry approximately 555l of fuel.
The maximum cruise speed of the helicopter is 246km/h, while the maximum range is 624km. The helicopter has a maximum endurance of four hours.
