Bell Helicopter is in the final stages of negotiating a joint venture with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to develop an improved IFR version of the 427 light twin helicopter.
Industry sources believe the deal might be finalised in time for next month's Heli Expo convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Bell will also use Heli Expo to unveil more details of its development plans for the next decade which include a new generation of light helicopters.
Intense
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with KAI was revealed by Bell in November and since then the company has been involved in what it describes as "intense discussions" with KAI about the feasibility of the project and the structure of any agreement.
Introducing an aircraft capable of operating under instrument flight rules is seen as key to building sales for the 427 which has achieved only modest sales since its launch in 1997.
Bell says technical discussions have refined the scope of modifications to the aircraft, its performance requirements and the pricing for a new light twin. It hopes to begin development jointly with KAI this year.
Bell chief executive Mike Redenbaugh says customers are requesting improvements to the 427, particularly in terms of single-pilot IFR and an increased operating ceiling.
Developing an IFR variant of the 427 will open up new markets for Bell and KAI. As well as in-country prospects in South Korea, the aircraft would have potential new sales opportunities in Japan, where a number of competitions are on-going.
Meanwhile, Bell's modular affordable product line (MAPL) initiative is the umbrella under which plans for the next generation of light helicopters will be revealed.
Two helicopters - a five-seat single engine aircraft, dubbed the Model 351 and an eight-seat twin-turbine called Model 382 - are the centrepiece of the plans. Both feature fan-in-fin anti-torque systems.
Bell is also due to announce at Heli Expo that it is to civil-certificate the UH-1H Huey to give operators access to aircraft which are surplus to military requirements.
The plans would see the Huey renamed as the Bell 210 with remanufactured airframes, upgraded engines and systems, allowing the aircraft to carry passengers. The certification is planned for 2005.
PAUL DERBY
Source: Flight Daily News
