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407 Goes High


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Stole this from another site,

 

Bell 407 Demonstrates High Altitude Performance

 

 

 

Adding to its already impressive list of accomplishments on July 1 2004, Bell 407 flown by Bell Senior Experimental Test Pilot, Eric Emblin, and Flight Test Engineer, Ed Lambert, the aircraft landed on Tillcho Peak in the Mustang area of northern Nepal Himalayan mountain range at an altitude of 22,180 feet Hp (24,971 feet Hd). This remarkable flight completed a weeks worth of demonstrations and testing, which included low speed controllability flights, IGE/OGE hover checks, and general performance evaluations at altitudes in excess of 18,500 feet.

 

The Bell trial team based its operation out of the Jomsom airport (elevation 8,800 feet) and performed most of their test sorties in and around Mustang District area. This testing was conducted to verify performance capability outside the current published 407 flight envelope and was necessary to pursue key international military programs.

 

With over 600 Bell 407’s operating in more than 50 countries, these trials represented the first appearance of the 407 in Nepal. While the 407 has already developed a solid reputation as an excellent high altitude performer, flying in the Himalayas offered an opportunity to take the 407 to an unparalleled level.

 

Bell’s six-member flight test team was lead by Steven Woolston, Director of Asia Pacific Programs, and Dale Cato, Program Manager for Light Helicopters. Mr. Emblin, who conducted all of the high altitude flights, stated “We pushed the helicopter to the edge of its operational capabilities and it delivered as predicted. The 407 demonstrated plenty of margin everywhere.” Additional team members included Steve Bornais, Experimental Flight Mechanic and Chris Ankrom, Rolls Royce Director of Technical Support. As a further endorsement to the 407’s durability, the only maintenance performed during the test program was daily preflight inspections and topping off fuel based on mission requirements.

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Originally posted by 412 Driver Jul 20 2004, 08:50 AM.

 

having flown neither the 407 or the astar consider me unbiased :D

i read that as going to the edge and realizing that there is more......:D

either way...almost 25000' Hd is impressive :up:

 

 

The Alouette III made 16,000 feet (a World record at the time) in one of his very first test flights more then 30 years ago... :o

 

With the fuselage of the Alouette II and the dynamics of the Alouette III, the SA.315 Lama has built a reputation for hot and high operating in the world's mountainous regions. To fill an Indian requirement for a helicopter capable of operating in the Himalayas, the Lama first flew in March 1969. With the ability to lift underslung loads up to 1135kg the Lama proved ideal for many demanding tasks. The Lama holds the absolute all class-altitude record (12442m) set in 06/19/1972 for aerial work and transport around the mountain summits of the Himalayas and Andean Cordillera

 

BTW How much is 12,442 meters in feet ??? <_< Humm let me see. Conversion factor 3.2808 X 12,440 = 40,820 feet more then 30 years ago !!! So what is all that noise about for just a couple of thousands feet more them HALF that amount 30 years later ? :shock:

 

Was this 407 that landed so high ? Somehow it looks familiar...

 

TailFan1.jpg

 

but the best part is this:

 

Mr. Redenbaugh said, “This is an extension of protected anti-torque development at Bell that started in the 1970s with small-scale testing and includes the Ducted Tail Rotor demonstrations done ten years ago. We are developing a tail rotor for our customers that will be quieter, more effective, and more reliable with lower operating costs.”

 

How about that. So Eurocopter has been copying Bell all along and they didn't tell us anything...

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As I recall the Lama set the altitude record by climbing until the fuel ran out and autorotating to the ground. I was told that the bubble fogged up on the way down and that all in all it was an interesting fright ---- I mean flight.

Anyhoo I would like to know how the bell was equiped and what the payload was on landing.

Well done by all. :up:

Cheers

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