Armored version of the Bell 407 to be operated in the Middle East and Africa

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today a milestone sale and delivery of the first Bell 407GT to BBM Inc. to operate in the Middle East and Africa. The Bell 407GT is the armed version of the Bell 407GX, and will be used to perform a variety of missions including law enforcement and homeland security.

“We are thrilled to be the launch customer and to introduce the Bell 407GT to the Middle East and Africa,” said Fred Hees, CEO of BBM Inc. “We were very impressed by the aircraft’s performance and unique capabilities, and are excited to bring this advanced aircraft to our customers in the region to provide a cost effective armed aircraft solution.”

BBM Inc. has purchased 16 Bell 407GXs earlier this year, and has signed a letter of intent for a Bell 505 and a Bell 525 and is focused on providing their customers with industry-leading products.

“Our initial success with the Bell 407GX has expanded our capability exponentially in the Middle East and African markets,” added Hees.

The Bell 407GT is the armed version of the best-selling Bell 407GX, qualified for a range of weapons from light munitions to advanced laser-guided munitions. The state-of-the-art tactical light commercial helicopter brings together the Garmin G1000HTM flight deck with precision weapons capability. Standard specifications include a multi-sensor camera system, weapons management system, universal weapons pylons, tactical radio suite, target sight system, sliding doors for rapid egress and ingress and high-visibility windows for the cockpit and cabin.

“The Middle East is a huge market for the Bell 407GT and we see this aircraft really growing in the region,” said Steve Suttles, vice president and managing director of sales in the Middle East and Africa. “BBM Inc.’s aircraft is set to go into service later this year, and we are excited for the region to be able to witness the missions this aircraft is capable of completing.

Bell Helicopter press release