From The Archives: Versatility Hallmark Of Bell's New 427

Bell Helicopter Textron’s Model 427 combines twin-engine reliability and performance with multimission capability in a compact, low-cost design that fills a gap in the company’s commercial product line. 

Priced at $2.2 million in 1999 dollars, the 427 is Bell’s first production, light-weight multiengine helicopter and is aimed chiefly at the offshore, law enforcement, emergency medical services and corporate markets, according to Bob Parr, product manager, commercial product management for the company. 

The second production Bell 427 is shown on the heliport at the company’s Customer Training Academy in Forth Worth. The helicopter is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D turboshaft engines and uses a four-blade rotor system similar to that of the single-engine Bell 407. Unlike the 407, the 427’s baggage door is located on the right side of the fuselage. 

The soft-in plane main rotor spans 37 ft. and features composite hub, yoke and blades with elastomeric bearings and dampers. An optional system allows the blades to be folded. A new “flat-pack” transmission drives the rotor. 

The cockpit, shown with a standard panel for the VFR flight, provides comfortable seating and good visibility for the pilot. Cyclic, collective with dual throttles and adjustable anti-torque pedals are visible. 

The Integrated Instrument Display System includes two flat-panel liquid crystal displays that replace 17 conventional instrument indications. Two- and four-panel displays for IFR flight are scheduled for certification late this year. 

Six people may occupy the cabin, which can be configured for corporate, EMS or utility missions. Energy-attenuating seats are certified to 12g. The large doors make entry and egress easy. 

“With 720 lb. of fuel and two pilots onboard, the aircraft weighed about 5,100 lb. - well below the maximum take-off weight of 6,000 lb. According to Barr, Bel plans to increase gross weight to 6,350 lb. after initial verification is completed.”