Bell Helicopter delivers first two Bell 429 rotorcraft to Nigeria

Bell Helicopter has successfully delivered the first two Bell 429 helicopters to Nigeria at the company’s facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee, US, following the completion of EASA-approved customisations.

The first helicopter has been delivered to the Nigeria Police Air Wing (NPAW) while the other was delivered to the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Bell Helicopter independent representative in Africa, Africair aircraft sales vice president Robert Prentice said, "The Bell 429 is the most technologically advanced and capable light-twin helicopter in the marketplace and will serve the NPAW and NEMA well for many years to come."

The Bell 429 rotorcraft will support general law enforcement, surveillance and force projection missions from the NPAW, while the NEMA will use the aircraft to perform disaster relief and humanitarian support missions.

Powered by two turboshaft engines, the Bell 429 aircraft features new main and tail rotor blades with lower tip speed and swept tip to reduce noise levels.

Capable of providing superior mission capability and adaptability, the advanced light twin-engine helicopter can to support operations including utility, passenger, offshore operation, or air medical transport and for any other mission requirement.

Certified by more than 40 countries, the helicopter can be reconfigured for multiple missions that range from VIP to HEMS, law enforcement, utility and oil and gas.