US-based gravity gradiometry specialist Bell Geospace has invested in a new Basler BT-67 aircraft, with the aim of expanding its technical and global capacity.

The new plane is the third of its kind in Bell’s fleet and is powered by Pratt and Whitney turbine engines.

Basler BT-67 is capable of surveying up to 1,600 line kilometres per day and features five bladed Hartzell propellers and a 100ft wingspan, as well as long-range fuel tanks and a Bell Gradiometer.

The new aircraft will also possess a full tensor gravity gradiometer (FTG) instrument, magnetic sensors and associated equipment. It is expected to make its first on-survey flight later this month.

Bell Geospace president Scott Hammond said: “This is an exciting new purchase for Bell Geospace as it enhances our survey capabilities globally.

"The Basler BT-67 has proven to be an efficient and reliable platform for conducting our FTG surveys, and has yielded some of our most successful surveys to date."

“The Basler BT-67 has proven to be an efficient and reliable platform for conducting our FTG surveys, and has yielded some of our most successful surveys to date.

“We are able to acquire FTG data in a range of often challenging conditions due to the stability and endurance of this fixed wing platform, be it overland or offshore regions.”

The company aims to serve its global clients as well as expand the number of sorties with the new plane.

It is also expected to help Bell reduce the time it takes to gather data and deliver results for its customers.

Image: Bell Geospace’s new Basler BT-67 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Bell Geospace.