amodao Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 407, Hope to get back home in April-May. I will stop by for a warm or cold one. The wife is actually in town this week visiting her mom. Couldn't get the time off! No HAI for you this year? I think I will go next year, are you going to go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skidz Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 The new ship with the Honeywell engine is designated the 407X for now, according to the boys at bell... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treetopflyer Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 Hey guys, Here is the news release from Bell's website. _______________________________________ Bell To Integrate Honeywell HTS900 Engine into Commercial 407 Product Line Press Contact Mike Cox 817-280-8416 mcox@bellhelicopter.textron.com HELI-EXPO 2005, Anaheim, CA., Feb 5, 2005 Bell Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Michael Redenbaugh today announced that Bell Helicopter and Honeywell International have agreed to integrate the Honeywell HTS900 engine into the Bell 407 commercial product line. The 407 currently uses the Rolls Royce 250-C47B engine. Commenting on the agreement Mr. Redenbaugh said; “Continual Improvement for our existing products is a cornerstone of Bell’s commercial strategy in our drive to be the premier provider of vertical lift aircraft. In keeping with this strategy we have invested over $4M in reliability and maintainability upgrades (RMUs) on the 407 over the past 2 years. By adding the HTS900 to the 407 we are maintaining a path of spiral development that will bring performance improvement to existing products to ensure customers maintain their competitive advantage in the operator market.” The HTS900 powerplant represents a 15% improvement in installed power that will significantly improve the hot/high performance capability of the 407. The HTS900 incorporates and features new compressor technology for improved performance, producing more than 925 Shaft horsepower at Takeoff Power rating at sea level on a standard day. The engine is expected to deliver Specific Fuel Consumption levels of .54 lb per shaft horsepower or a 5% decrease from earlier Honeywell helicopter engines. Speaking about the agreement Bob Miller, Director, Honeywell Utility and Light Helicopter Programs “Honeywell’s commitment to the helicopter industry is to continually upgrade and improve its turboshaft engines for all rotor wing applications. Our engine enhancements give operators improved performance, reliability and reduced maintenance costs. The HTS900 will significantly improve Bell 407 performance.” Commenting on the 407, Executive Director of Light Helicopter Programs Shane Eddy said; “Bell investment over the last two years has driven the fielding of over 50 product improvements for the 407, which have reduced operating cost by as much as $20 per hour. Integration of the HTS900 engine into this platform is the next logical step in our spiral development plan. And while much has already been done to improve the 407, Bell will continue to research new technologies and methods to fuel the spiral development path for this product line.” The HTS900 integration program will be lead by Program Director Barry Kohler and is expected to complete in late 2006. Bell Helicopter Textron, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a $1.6 billion, leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 44,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com http://www.bellhelicopter.textron.com Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Post Office Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101 _______________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-rex Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 Bell needs all the help they can get!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
407 Driver Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 Look at the bright side, spare parts for your new 407X will be easy to get. There's hundreds of these LTS engines all over the world, laying in scrap heaps, battlefields, anchoring boats, etc. Eurocopter had the shortsightedness to remove these engines years ago, before their prime, now Bell has capitalized on EC's old mistake, and will have customer support virtually everywhere. There must be thousands of nice old Battle Tanks with good old LTS engines in every war zone, on every continent, at the botom of every shipyard, and garbage dump. Imagine, you have a runaway turbine failure, due to a powdered metal gear disintigrating in flight, ...no sweat, just auto toward the nearest marina, and presto, a WHOLE NEW engine awaits. GO BELL GO :up: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amodao Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 With the new enviromental rules in the US why would you want to use and engine that leaks and burns oil excessively, perhaps Haliburton has an oil contract with Honeywell for "X" amount of Litres per hour/ per aircraft. Maybe this automatic oiling feature will prevent engine/airframe corrosion on those aircraft that operate in the Gulf. :up: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skullcap Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 I think the oil smeared all over the tailboom prevents the soot from sticking to it and causing corrosion. :up: What do call it,,, preventative maintenance. sc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amodao Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 I guess with this 100 plus horsepower increase Bell should modify the tailboom to make it thicker/larger/stronger so that it can deflect the tailrotor when operating in that higher/hotter enviroment that this engine has been built for. I thought you are limited to 12000 feet anyways without oxygen? Oxygen bottles for 7 pass. will cut down on the available room and lifting ability. When you want to have cheese and crackers on Mt. Everest I would rather take a 214! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lamanated Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 I've been on the LTS for 14 years,and they have come full circle in terms of reliability.the overhaul prices are creeping up though..the PC air filter is the problem I have as any loss in flow seems to cause the engine to surge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amodao Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 Lamanated, Has there been any improvements to the flow fence and temp. compensator? How's the oil acidity and turbine wheel issues? I had lots of fun working on them with Itibiti in the early 90's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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