Bell Helicopter has selected the final major system for its new Short Light Single with Garmin to supply its G1000H avionics suite for the developmental rotorcraft.
In addition, the Fort Worth-based airframer has confirmed the size of the flat-floored cabin at 22ft² (2.04m²), with the baggage compartment pegged at 18ft³.
Speaking at the recent Helitech show in London, Chuck Evans, director of marketing and sales support at Bell, says that with the previous selection of engine supplier Turbomeca, the detail of the SLS is now largely complete.
"I don't know at what point you say that all the major suppliers are on board, but with a smaller product like the SLS I think we have named all the big ones," he says.
Some details, such as the helicopter's maximum take-off weight, will not be revealed until after its design is frozen following its first flight, which is scheduled for the fourth quarter of next year.
"We released the size of the cabin and cargo volume because we are very confident they will be very representative of the final aircraft," says Evans. "We try not to put metrics out when there's a high likelihood of them being changed."
The SLS will feature a majority aluminium construction rather than carbonfibre thanks to its ease of repair and relatively low cost compared with the composite material, says Evans.
"Using a traditional metal construction is what allows us to build this aircraft in the way our customer base is asking for."
Pricing of the new helicopter will be key as it aims to claw market share away from the segment-leading Robinson R66. Bell is yet to release the purchase price for the SLS, but while Evans acknowledges that it will have to be "competitive" with its rival, its additional features – such as the fully integrated glass cockpit, dual channel FADEC, and speed and range – will need to be factored in.
No entry-into-service date has yet been unveiled, but Evans says that once first flight has been achieved, "we'll move towards certification as fast as we can".
Bell is not yet taking bookings for the SLS, but Evans describes customer demand as "incredible".
Source: FlightGlobal.com
