Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced two new accessories for the Bell 407 including a self-sealing fuel cell kit and a passenger ballistic protection system. The new products will be distributed under Bell Helicopters’s Aeronautical Accessories brand.

The Bell 407 Self-Sealing Fuel Cell Kit is an alternative to the Bell 407 standard fuel cells.  Material used for construction of the self-sealing fuel cells provides for ballistic-tolerant fuel cells offering an increased level of protection for the rotorcraft crew and passengers. The kit includes forward, main and auxiliary self-sealing fuel cells complementing the existing OEM fuel system.

The Bell 407 Passenger Ballistic Protection System (BPS) is a second addition to the Aeronautical Accessories 407 BPS product line. Developed by LifePort, this new system provides protection for passenger floor and seats.  Like the Crew Ballistic Protection System, the new Passenger System offers the lightest weight technology in composite armor solutions. The Bell 407 Passenger BPS is also coated with LifeGard, a protective coating that seals and protects the encapsulated armor. The coating increases the life and durability of the system and provides a slip resistant surface.

“We continually look for innovative products to add to our product line to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our customers’ missions,” said Chad Nimrick, director, Aeronautical Accessories and Customers Support and Services Engineering. “The new self-sealing fuel cell kit and the Passenger BPS are two excellent examples of our commitment to improving the operation, safety and versatility of the Bell 407.”