BELL HELICOPTER Textron has delivered the first Bell 430 eight-seat intermediate twin helicopter to launch customer Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) of Indonesia.
At the same time, the US helicopter company has agreed to extend its existing production arrangement with IPTN to include the manufacture of the new Bell 407 light helicopter.
IPTN has had a basic licence agreement to re-assemble and complete the Bell 412 (designated the N Bell 412) since 1982. The contract was recently amended to include the 430, and the 407 has now been included on condition that IPTN markets the aircraft and attracts orders in the Indonesian region.
So far, two 407s have been ordered by Indonesian-based helicopter operator Multipolar. In total, Bell has received advance orders for more than 200 407s worldwide, the first being delivered to Petroleum Helicopters of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The first 430 was handed over to Bacharuddin Habibie, Indonesian science and technology minister and president director of IPTN, by Lloyd Shoppa, president of Bell Helicopter. He says that the 430 and 407 will find "a ready market in Indonesia in the coming years".
Source: Flight International
