Bell Shows Off 427 By Chris Genna, Contributing Editor Farnborough, England - Bell Helicopter brought their new 427 light twin helicopter to the Farnborough Air Show for its first public appearance this week. The stylish new helicopter, Number 4, was configured with its corporate interior and certainly looked ready to carry executives. The 427 seats one pilot and seven passengers or about five passengers in the corporate interior. Plush seats with cup holders make the corporate look not only attractive, but downright comfortable looking. Unlike the typical latch, the passenger door is fitted with an automobile style handle continuing the impression of the appointments of a fine luxury car. All that was missing was a chilled bottle of Dom Perignon. The flight test program for the new helo is on schedule to meet certification late this year after flying for the first time in December 1997. First deliveries are scheduled for February of next year. Bell says it has already received over 80 advance orders for the 427. The Bell 427 is 13 inches longer than the Bell 407 and will meet anticipated ICAO and JAR twin-engine requirements according to a statement from the company. For the power hungry, the new helicopter is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada 710 shp PW207D turboshaft engines and incorporates a new flat pack main transmission with direct input for the twin engines. The 427 will have an initial gross weight of 6,000 pounds when fully loaded, and is able to carry of useful load of over 2,500 pounds at a cruise speed of 130 knots.