The Bell 407GXi light single helicopter has received type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Outfitted with Garmin G1000H NXi integrated flight deck and dual-channel FADEC Rolls Royce M250-C47E/4 turboshaft engine, the Bell 407GXi takes the popular 407 series’ user experience to a new level.

“We are pleased that Bell has received the Chinese validation of the Bell 407GXi type certificate which will enable us to begin delivering our most advanced Bell 407 model to Chinese customers,” said Jacinto Monge, Manager Director of Bell North Asia. “The validated type certificate will pave the way for deliveries of the 407GXi to customers in China right after the lunar new year, and showcases the excellent working relationship between FAA, CAAC, and US aircraft manufacturers such as Bell.”

The brand-new Garmin G1000H NXi integrated flight deck on the 407GXi complete with high-definition displays and faster processors offers increased brightness and clarity, faster start-up and map rendering speed, the new avionics significantly enhances the pilot’s situational awareness capability. Additional options for the 407GXi include the Garmin FlightStream 510 that allows pilots to upload flight plans from smart devices.

The Bell 407GXi also further enhances the engine performance and its control system, which reduces pilot workload while improving the aircraft’s reliability and maintainability. The new Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 dual channel FADEC with full automatic relight turbine engine delivering exceptional fuel efficiency and H&H performance, the power of the new engine is increased by 8% while the fuel consumption is reduced by 2% in H&H environment. 

In addition, newly designed executive configuration options bring a modernized look and passenger experience to the five-seat club cabin. With a 1.55 meters wide door, stretchers can easily enter the cabin when the 407GXi performing air ambulance missions. In 2017, Shaanxi Helicopter ordered 100 Bell 407s and the company is determined to build an air medical rescue and law enforcement network in China.

The Bell 407GXi debuted at Heli Expo in the United States in February 2018, the helicopter was certificated by the FAA and the first delivery was made to a Chilean customer in October of the same year. Currently, there are more than 1,400 Bell 407 series helicopters in operation worldwide.