Bell 427
Bell Helicopter · Canada · first flew 1997 · helicopter
The Bell 427 is a light twin-engined helicopter aimed at corporate, EMS and utility roles, developed jointly with Samsung.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.43 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Light twin-turbine helicopter
- Four-blade main rotor
- Sleek executive/EMS cabin
Look for a compact light twin with a four-blade main rotor, twin engines faired behind the cabin roof, skid landing gear and a slim tail boom with a conventional fin.
Specifications
- The Bell 427 has a length of 11.43 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.28 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1997, it grew from the single-engine Bell 407 with a stretched cabin and two turboshaft engines for twin-engine safety. It introduced a modern four-blade soft-in-plane rotor.
Variants
The 427 was offered with progressive avionics upgrades and IFR certification, and its lineage led on to the improved Bell 429. Both share the light twin cabin concept.
Where you'll see it
Used by police, air-ambulance and corporate operators internationally; in the UK the closely related Bell types serve civil roles rather than the type appearing in military colours.
Related aircraft
- Bell 430
- Bell AH-1Z Viper
- Bell CH-146 Griffon
- Bell 230
- Airbus H155 (EC155)
- Eagle Helicycle
- Eurocopter EC 155B
- HESA Shahed 274
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