Eagle Copters is set to deliver its first production Eagle 407HP to the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Delivery, which will occur shortly after Heli-Expo, follows issuance of the supplemental type certificate for the re-engined Bell 407 in late 2014. The initial prototype model, used in development, has been flying with a customer and used for firefighting. That experience has enabled Eagle Copters to mature the project and prepare for the ramping up on the conversion projects, said David Sypke Whiting, v-p of sales and marketing.
Eagle Copters teamed with both Bell and Honeywell to swap the original 813-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C47 with Honeywell’s 1,021-shp HTS900-2-1D turboshaft. The 407H provides 17 percent lower fuel burn, 22 percent more shaft horsepower and an additional 500 pounds of payload. The new engine also is equipped with a tailored dual-channel Fadec. In addition Eagle Copters has developed an inlet barrier filter for the engine.
The initial helicopter has accumulated 300 hours and during the firefighting season enabled the operator to fly an hour longer and carry 50 percent more water.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife, which is responsible for Nevada’s fish and wildlife resources and boating safety, will use the new 407HP to replace its Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger III.
The aircraft is the first of several Eagle 407HPs set for delivery in upcoming months. Eagle Copters has five more in production; the company acquired all five for the re-engining project, but has customers lined up for each one. Eagle Copters also is planning to begin a project involving a customer-owned 407 this summer. Whiting expects that customer-owned aircraft will constitute the bulk of the business.
The company has been eyeing international markets, having already obtained validations from aviation authorities in Chile, Australia, Mexico and from the FAA, along with Transport Canada. It further has applications in with EASA and with China’s CAAC.
Whiting said the company will deliver a 407HP to its joint venture in Australia for demonstrations in both Australia and Papua New Guinea. Its affiliates in both Australia and Chile will be able to handle the conversions, in addition to Eagle Copters’ Canadian facility.
