The Bell 407GXi light single helicopter has received type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Launched in February 2018, the 407GXi is outfitted with the Garmin G1000H NXi integrated flight deck and dual-channel FADEC Rolls Royce M250-C47E/4 turboshaft engine.

“We are pleased to receive Chinese validation of our Bell 407GXi type certificate, which will enable us to begin delivering the helicopter to Chinese customers,” says North Asia MD Jacinto Monge. “The validated type certificate will pave the way for deliveries of the 407GXi to customers in China right after the lunar new year, and showcases the excellent working relationship between FAA, CAAC and US aircraft manufacturers such as Bell.”

The G1000H NXi flight deck on the 407GXi features high-definition displays and faster processors, which aim to enhance situational awareness through increased brightness and clarity and faster start-up and map rendering speeds. Additional options for the 407GXi include the Garmin FlightStream 510, whixh allows pilots to upload flight plans from smart devices.

The 407GXi's new Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 dual channel FADEC with full automatic relight turbine engine delivers improved fuel efficiency and hot and high performance over its predecessor, with Bell claiming an increase in power of eight per cent and a two per cent drop in fuel consumption while in hot and high conditions. Its control system is also designed to reduce pilot workload while improving the aircraft's reliability and maintainability.

A number of newly-designed executive configuration options are available to the five-seat club cabin but, with a 1.55 metre wide door that is wide enough for stretchers, the 407GXi is also suited to air ambulance missions. In August 2017, Shaanxi Helicopter took delivery of the first of 100 Bell 407s on order as part of its plans to build an air medical rescue and law enforcement network in China.

The Bell 407GXi debuted at Heli Expo in the United States in February 2018. It was certificated by the FAA and the first delivery went to a Chilean customer in October of the same year. There are currently more than 1,400 Bell 407 series helicopters in operation worldwide.