Bell to install after-market BLR FastFin on new 412s

Bell to install after-market BLR FastFin on new 412s

21-Jul-2010 Source: BLR Aerospace

Bell Helicopter today announced its intent to install BLR’s FastFin™ Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System as standard equipment on new Bell 412 helicopters.

This announcement coupled with the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent certification of its Bell 412 FastFin System, has officials at BLR Aerospace flying high.

“We are proud to partner with Bell Helicopter in contributing to the success of such a proven multi-mission platform,” said Dave Marone, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BLR Aerospace.  “We consider this a game-changing event for BLR’s FastFin technology and are confident that it will provide immediate value for the Bell 412 operating community. We thank everyone at Bell Helicopter for their steadfast support.”

In addition to installation on new Bell 412 EPs, which will begin immediately as factory-installed modifications, BLR is accepting orders to retro fit the system on any Bell 412
fielded aircraft for fleet operators of 9 or less aircraft.  Bell Helicopter affiliate, Aeronautical Accessories is accepting orders for fielded fleet operators with 10 or more aircraft.

Certified performance data show a range of improvements for Bell 412 helicopters. Most operators using the FastFin system will realize at least a 275-pound increase in useful load, plus significant safety, stability and wind azimuth benefits.

Depending on operating altitudes, the system can pay for itself in 1-2 years for many operators flying 400 hours annually. Operators may realize up to a 1,250 pound increase in useful load when flying at 5,000 feet on a hot day.

“Providing our customers with a complete mission solution is one of Bell’s top priorities,” said Larry D. Roberts, Senior Vice President Commercial Business. “The FastFin System delivers the kind of performance benefits that allow Bell helicopter operators to more effectively and efficiently complete their missions. We are pleased to partner with BLR to provide our customers with this increased benefit.”

“This decision verifies what so many operators already know,” Marone said. “FastFin is an enhancement that improves operations in an immediate and measurable way.”

Installation of the FastFin™ Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System kit involves modifying a helicopter tailboom with two parallel strips (known as Dual Tailboom Strakes), and reshaping the vertical fin to optimize airflow around the tailboom.  These simple changes deliver a range of important benefits to operators who fly the modified aircraft.

“No matter the mission, today’s operators are looking for every competitive advantage,” Marone said. “Our technology expands the envelope and helps operators achieve maximum return on their capital investments.”

More than 200 medium FastFin systems are in operation worldwide. BLR in May announced an FAA certified performance increase of 78 percent for FastFin installations on UH-1 helicopters equipped with Lycoming T-53-13B engines.

About BLR Aerospace
BLR is focused on developing the highest performance aerodynamic solutions in the industry, and we back our superior designs with unsurpassed manufacturing quality.  BLR, now in its 20th year, holds patented technologies for both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, has certified over 60 Supplemental Type Certificates, and is a NASA Technology Transfer Licensee.

About Aeronautical Accessories, Inc.
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., an affiliate of Bell Helicopter, has been the worldwide leader in helicopter accessories and replacement parts since 1979. Aeronautical Accessories designs, manufactures, markets, warehouses, and distributes state-of-the-art FAA/STC-approved products and accessories that enhance the operation, safety and versatility of helicopters.

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, 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 Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

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