Bell 429 cockpit

Textron’s subsidiary Bell Helicopter has signed a deal to sell the first two light twin-engine Bell 429s in the Middle East.

The helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) configured rotorcraft will feature a fully customised EMS interior and advanced avionics.

Scheduled to be delivered in 2015, the helicopters will support medical rescue missions throughout the region.

Bell Helicopter Middle East and Africa managing director Steve Suttles said: "We are excited to bring the Bell 429 to the Middle East for HEMS operations.

"We expect to continue to see strong growth as more and more customers see firsthand the amazing capabilities of this machine in action."

"The Bell 429 has cabin space for two medical attendants and two crew members."

According to Bell, the Swedish National Police, New York Police Department, Turkish National Police, Air Zermatt and Wiltshire Air Ambulance have seen the Bell 429 as the best solution for their mission requirements.

Bell Helicopter Middle East regional sales manager David Sale said: "The advanced situational awareness and performance of the Bell 429 will be key for operators in the region to complete missions in this region as safely and effectively as possible.

"We are looking forward to increasing our HEMS capabilities throughout the Gulf Coast countries in the years to come as we continue to build momentum."

The Bell 429 has cabin space for two medical attendants and two crew members. It features integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system, WAAS navigation and instrument flight rules (IFR) capability.

Other features include a collective mounted throttle, damage tolerant hub and rotor system, and energy saving seats.

Image: A Bell 429 rotorcraft cockpit. Photo: courtesy of Julian Herzog.

Defence Technology