Bell 429

The Bell 429 GlobalRanger was originally developed to be used mainly for emergency medical service operations, as the previous 427's cabin was too small to properly accommodate a patient litter. As a result, the 429 was intended to be a stretched version of the 427. However, the 427 airframe was eventually abandoned altogether and the Bell development team decided to return to the drawing board, producing a brand new modular airframe for the 429. This airframe was based on Bell's Modular Affordable Product Line (MAPL) concept and offered almost twice the cabin volume of the original 427. Accordingly, the 429 became a much more appealing option for emergency medical services. The 429 GlobalRanger's impressive cabin size was an imperative selling point, but Bell needed to do more to maintain its competitive edge. As a result, the 429 GlobalRanger is a high-performance aircraft that boasts impressive hot-and-high and climb performance. Even more impressive is the fact that the aircraft can excel in these areas at its maximum gross weight. It owes its great performance mainly due to its efficient and reliable Pratt & Whitney turbines, which provide a hefty 1,100 shaft horsepower each. This allows the GlobalRanger to travel at speeds of up to 142 knots with a maximum range of 368 nautical miles. Utilizing its optional skids, the 429 can reach even greater speeds of 150 knots. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 429 GlobalRanger's expansive cabin is that it not only provides ample usable space, but is also surprisingly flexible. Although it has been commonly advertised as an aircraft ideal for emergency medical service operations, it is also regularly utilized for VIP and executive transport, among other uses. Not surprisingly however, the most common non-medical utility use of the aircraft is VIP transport. Private travelers can utilize the flexible club seating, which can accommodate up to seven passengers. It's fortunate that the 429 excels at customization as versatility is the name of the game in the helicopter industry. Versatility alone is nothing without safety however, and travelers can rest assured that Bell has exemplified their integrity and extensive experience to produce some of the safest rotorcraft in the world.