Matthew Nelson
Textron's Bell Helicopter subisidiary proposed the 407GXi platform to the U.S. Navy's Advanced Helicopter Trainer program and would perform final assembly efforts at a facility in Ozark, Ala., if the service branch selects the aircraft offering.
Bell 407GXi is designed to travel at a speed of 152.8 miles per hour and powered by a Rolls-Royce-built M250-C47E/4 turbine engine technology, Textron said Thursday.
Mitch Snyder, president and CEO of Bell, said the aircraft manufacturer is the only U.S.-based participant in the competition.
The helicopter also uses Garmin's G1000H NXi Integrated Flight Deck system intended to help pilots gain situational awareness and access information during naval flight training.
Textron noted the Navy looks to buy 130 new trainers.
