Bell delivers first upgraded 407GXP to Air Methods

Bell Helicopter has delivered the first of an eventual 200 re-engined 407GXP light singles to launch customer Air Methods.

Configured for emergency medical services (EMS) missions, Air Methods will receive the remainder of its order over the next 10 years.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the handover of the rotorcraft at Air Methods' headquarters in Englewood, Colorado, the EMS operator's chief executive, Aaron Todd, said he looked forward to welcoming the 407GXP to its fleet.

Derived from the 407GX, the latest iteration of the 2.3t helicopter gains an uprated 813shp (606kW) Rolls-Royce M250 engine which contributes to a payload increase of 22.5kg (50lb). It also features the Garmin G1000H avionics suite.

The latest in a series of incremental upgrades for its products, Bell launched the 407GXP at the HAI Heli-Expo show last March.