Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the introduction of the 407GX, a new version of the Bell 407 equipped with the innovative Garmin G1000H Integrated Flight Deck.

The Garmin G1000H glass flight deck provides critical flight information at a glance for greater situational awareness, improved operational capability and increased safety. The advanced cockpit features, as standard, two 10.4” high-resolution LCD displays with an intuitive, easy to scan layout and an integrated avionics system that presents flight instrumentation, position, navigation, communication, and identification information. Integrated safety attributes include Traffic Information System (TIS), HSVT Synthetic Vision Technology, “Highway in the Sky”, moving NAV map,  Helicopter Terrain Avoidance Warning System (HTAWS) and range ring. There are also engine and crew alerting systems including power situation indicator (PSI) and fuel flow, and automatic power assurance check. The advanced suite also features critical flight parameter storage on a SD card for post flight analysis.

“The Bell 407 was already an industry leading helicopter offering superior performance, exceptional passenger comfort and enhanced safety characteristics,” said Larry D. Roberts, Senior Vice President, Commercial Business, Bell Helicopter.  “The 407GX’s next-generation cockpit combined with the aircraft’s rugged airframe will make it the first choice for those who place their highest value requirements on safety and performance.”

There are numerous optional kits that can be added to the already outstanding standard 407GX for even more extraordinary performance. These integrated options include Garmin GDL 69AH XM Weather and Radio; Garmin GDL 59H Datalink and Flight Parameter Recorder; Garmin GSR 56H Iridium Voice/Data Transceiver; Garmin GTS 800 Traffic Advisory System (ADS-B In Capability); ELT; Radar Altimeter; and more.

“The technology found on the Bell 407GX is unique in the helicopter industry,” said Gary Kelley, Vice President, Marketing,Garmin International. ”While many of these features can be found on fixed wing aircraft, the highly scalable G1000H takes cockpit operations and safety technology to the next level.”

The well-appointed 407GX, as well as the entire 407 family, includes such operational features as a choice of maximum internal gross weights, high main rotor clearance (8 ft), excellent hover performance, powerful FADEC controlled engine, comfortable seating for seven, and optional Quiet Cruise kit.  Blade fold capability, cargo hook, and a host of OEM kits and customizing offerings make this aircraft ready for any mission.

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 tilt rotor 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

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 in 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.