Bell 430

  • CountryCanada and USA
  • TypeTwin engine intermediate size helicopter
  • PowerplantsTwo 584kW (783shp) takeoff rated, 521kW (699shp) max continuous rated Allison 250C40B turboshafts driving a four blade main rotor and two blade tail rotor.
  • PerformanceMax cruising speed at sea level (with retractable gear or skids) 260km/h (140kt), economical cruising speed 256km/h (138kt) with retractable undercarriage, 237km/h (128kt) with skids. Service ceiling 18,340ft. Hovering ceiling in ground effect 11,350ft, out of ground effect 8750ft. Max range with reserves, standard fuel and retractable undercarriage 503km (272nm), with skids 644km (348nm).
  • WeightsEmpty equipped 2406kg (5305lb) with retractable undercarriage, 2388kg (5265lb) with skids, max takeoff with internal load 4082kg (9000lb), max takeoff with sling load and optional MTOW with skids 4220kg (9300lb).
  • DimentionsMain rotor disc diameter 12.80m (42ft 0in), length overall rotors turning 15.30m (50ft 3in), fuselage length inc tailskid 13.44m (44ft 1in), height to top of rotor head with wheels 3.72m (12ft 3in), with standard skids 4.03m (13ft 3in), optional skids 4.24m (13ft 11in). Main rotor disc area 128.7m2 (1385.4sq ft).
  • CapacityTypical seating configuration for 10 comprising pilot and passenger, with eight passengers in main cabin behind them in three rows of seats. Six and eight place executive layouts offered. In EMS role can carry one or two stretcher patients with four or three medical attendants respectively. Max hook capacity 1585kg (3500lb).
  • ProductionAnnual production rate of 55 aircraft planned from 1998.

Bell's 430 moderate twin helicopter is an extended and all the more capable improvement of the 230.

Bell started preparatory configuration take a shot at the 430 in 1991, despite the fact that the 230 itself had flown without precedent for August that year. The 430 project was formally dispatched in February 1992. Two models were adjusted from Bell 230s, and the first of these flew in its new design on October 25 1994. The second model offered the full 430 aeronautics suite, its first flight was on December 19 1994.

The initial 430 generation flying machine was finished in 1995, while Canadian certificate was recompensed on February 23 1996, permitting first conveyances from mid that year. In the mean time 230 creation wound up in August 1995, clearing a path for the 430.

Contrasted and the 230, the 430 gimmicks a few noteworthy changes. Maybe the most essential of these is the new four razor sharp edge, bearingless, hingeless, composite fundamental rotor. Different progressions incorporate the 46cm (1ft 6in) extended fuselage, permitting seating for an additional two travelers, 10% all the more influential Allison 250 turboshafts (with FADEC) and a discretionary EFIS flightdeck. And also the discretionary EFIS shows the 430 peculiarities as standard a Rogersonkratos Integrated Instrument Display System (IIDS), including two LCD showcases to present motor data. The 430 is offered with slips or retractable wheeled undercarriage.

Between August 17 and September 3 1996 Americans Ron Bower and John Williams broke the round the world helicopter record with a Bell 430, flying westwards from England.

Global Directory of Civil Aircraft

Pictures of Bell 430