»Bell 429 Continues Rapid Development Pace //HeliNews/
~ Production at Bell’s Mirabel, Canada facility is on track for first flight later this year
~ Currently the first model is moving down the production line with systems installation including
~ wiring, fixed controls, fuel systems, heating systems, pitot/static systems and the power distribution
~ Certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation and the United States Federal Aviation Administration is planned for 2007
~ Initial production is scheduled for late 2007 and European Aviation Safety certification will follow in mid-2008
~ The 429 is the first Bell production helicopter produced with Modular Affordable Product Line (MAPL) components
~ MAPL is an innovative approach to helicopter production where multiple parts are designed to work on a variety of helicopter
~ This not only speeds up production, but lowers production costs and ultimately lowers acquisition costs
»Bell Helicopter