News
Rolls-Royce M250-C47E engine to power new Bell 407GXi
February 28, 2018 By Rolls-Royce
The Rolls-Royce M250-C47E engine has been selected to power the new Bell 407GXi helicopter, providing enhanced safety and reduced pilot workload, plus increased reliability and maintainability. The new engine will offer additional capability and lower maintenance costs for the iconic Bell rotorcraft.
The new engine agreement continues a long-standing relationship between Rolls-Royce and Bell, which goes back more than 50 years.
The new engine, designated the M250-C47E/4, includes the Rolls-Royce Value Improvement Package (VIP) as production standard technology, already proven in the field with up to eight percent improvement in “hot and high” power and two percent reduction in specific fuel consumption (SFC) – enabling increased range and payload.
The new M250-C47E/4 engine provides customers with a modern, state-of-the-art, dual channel FADEC controls system, offering enhanced safety and data recording capability.
Jason Propes, Rolls-Royce, senior vice president helicopters and light turboprop engines, said, “The new M250-C47E/4optimizes fuel economy while increasing performance, providing the power and innovation needed for the new Bell 407GXi.The new dual FADEC offers enhanced safety and reduced pilot workload, while lowering direct operating costs. We are thrilled to be continuing our long partnership with Bell and look forward to supporting this exciting new aircraft for years to come.”
The new M250-C47E/4 has already received a Federal Aviation Administration type certificate. The original M250-C47E model powers the U.S. Navy’s Fire Scout MQ-8C rotorcraft, an unmanned, adapted variant of the Bell 407 aircraft.
