Textron #News Release:

World’s First Bell 407GT Sold to BBM Inc.

05/27/2015

Armored version of the Bell 407 to be operated in the Middle East and Africa Fort Worth, Texas (May 27, 2015) – 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 aBell 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.
Press Contact
ASHLEIGH DANA
+1 817-280-3100
mediarelations@bh.com
Online Media Kit
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, 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, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders.