Photograph:
Bell 430 VH-VGG (c/n 49063) at Perth, WA in 2012 (David Eyre – WA Aviation)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Medium twin-engine utility helicopter
Power Plant:
Two 584 kw (783 shp) Allison 250-C40B turboshafts
Specifications:
- Main rotor disc diameter: 12.8 m (42 ft)
- Length overall [rotors turning]: 15.3 m (50 ft 3 in)
- Fuselage length: 13.44 m (44 ft 1 in)
- Height to top of rotor head with wheels: 3.72 m (12 ft 3 in)
- Main rotor disc area: 128.7 m² (1,385.4 sq ft)
- Max cruising speed at sea level (with retractable undercarriage): 260 km/h (162 mph)
- Economical cruising speed: 256 km/h (159 mph)
- Service ceiling: 5,590 m (18,340 ft)
- Hovering ceiling in ground effect: 3,459 m (11,350 ft)
- Hovering ceiling out of ground effect: 2,667 m (8,750 ft)
- Max range with reserve with standard fuel and retractable undercarriage: 503 km (313 miles)
- Empty weight: 2,406 kg (5,305 lb)
- Loaded weight: 4,082 kg (9,000 lb)
- Max take-off weight with sling load and optional MTOW: 4,220 kg (9,300 lb)
History:
The Bell 430 was a stretched and more powerful variant of the Model 230, work on the design beginning in 1991. The Model 430 programme was formally launched in February 1992 and two prototypes were built, these being modified from Model 230 airframes. The prototype of the Model 430 flew for the first time on 25 October 1994, the second following on 19 December that year, this having the full avionics suite designed for production aircraft. Production commenced in both Canada and the United States, Canadian certification being received in February 1996, and initial production deliveries commencing in 1995. Production of the Model 230 ceased in August 1995 in favour of the new model.
The Model 430 featured a new four-blade bearingless, hingeless, composite main rotor and, compared to the Model 230, had a longer fuselage (46 cm / 18 in), more powerful Allison 250 turboshafts with FADEC and an optional EFIS flight deck. It also had as standard a Rogerson Kratos Integrated Instrument Display System which comprised two LCD displays, this providing engine information. The Model 430 was also available with a retractable undercarriage or skids.
Between 17 August and 3 September 1996 an American from Texas, Ron Bower, with John Williams, in a Model 430 (N43011) broke the Round the World Helicopter Speed Record flying westwards from the United Kingdom. Examples have been supplied around the world, including one to the Bulgarian Air Force for VIP duties, attached to Aviootryad 28.
First of the type seen in this region was VH-HIA (c/n 49027) imported for Aviation Tourism Australia operating from Hamilton Island, QLD. Further examples have been imported, including VH-VGG (c/n 49063) for Devereaux Holdings of Perth, WA.