Bell 407M Helicopter

Full Specifications

Bell 407M Military Multi Role Helicopter

The Bell 407M is a light military multi role helicopter developed for armed reconnaissance, light attack, special operations, command and control, training, and other tactical missions. Bell developed the aircraft from the commercial Bell 407GXi platform while drawing on the operational heritage of the OH 58 Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter. The 407M combines a digital glass cockpit, mission management equipment, EO/IR sensing and a modular ordnance mounting system.

The helicopter can be configured with 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns, rocket pods, 70 mm Hydra rockets, APKWS guided rockets, and, depending on configuration and approval, Hellfire or Griffin missiles. Its survivability features include armored pilot seats, ballistic tolerant rotor blades, a self sealing fuel system, infrared suppression, and passive missile detection with chaff and flare protection.

Manufacturer

The Bell 407M is manufactured by Bell Textron, a U.S. aerospace company based in Fort Worth, Texas. Bell introduced the 407M in 2022 as its first Special Missions Aircraft configuration, using the established 407 airframe as the foundation for military and government missions.

Speed and Range

The Bell 407M has a published maximum cruise speed of 133 knots (246 km/h), a range of 337 nautical miles (624 km) at very long range cruise, and maximum endurance of approximately four hours. Its service ceiling is listed at 18,610 feet (5,672 meters). The helicopter can carry up to seven people in its standard configuration and has a maximum internal gross weight of 5,000 lb, with an external load maximum of 6,000 lb.

Cost/Price

Bell does not publicly publish a fixed unit price for the 407M. The final acquisition cost depends on avionics, weapons, sensors, mission equipment, training, sustainment and government export requirements. Weapon and mission equipment packages can also require U.S. export approval.