Bell Helicopter Textron has modified the electrical system of its Model 430 intermediate twin to correct design deficiencies uncovered during single-pilot instrument flight rules flight testing. The upgrades were needed to meet certification requirements for 30min reserve power, Bell says. Changes include modification of the electrical power distribution system to include emergency, essential and non-essential busses. A redundant power supply has been added for each full-authority digital engine control unit. Other changes are designed to prevent loss of power. Bell says most 430s were upgraded during production, but three will be modified in the field by a Bell product-support engineer, expected to take 120-130h.
Source: Flight International
