According to Geoffrey Schlosser, Bell's executive vice president for strategic goals, during the Farnborough International Air Show in Great Britain, the company offered Ukraine to buy American Bell 407M attack helicopters.
Points of attention
- Bell's executive vice president offered Ukraine the opportunity to purchase American Bell 407M attack helicopters, equipped with advanced weapon control systems and high-precision missiles.
- The Bell 407M features technical capabilities including a maximum speed of 246 km/h, a flight range of 624 km, and a total useful weight of 1156 kg, making it a cost-effective option for Ukraine.
- While the Bell 407M may not match the strike capabilities of helicopters like the AH-64 Apache and AH-1Z Viper, its affordability and practicality make it a viable option for Ukraine's defense needs.
- The potential sale of Bell 407M helicopters to Ukraine signifies a broader defense project that could enhance the country's military capabilities.
- Analysts highlight the pragmatic design of the Bell 407M, emphasizing its suitability as a combat vehicle based on the 407 civilian helicopter.
What is known about Ukraine's alleged purchase of Bell 407M attack helicopters
Schlosser would not disclose the details of the alleged deal.
He noted that the sale of helicopters was offered to Ukraine as part of a broad project.
According to Defense Express analysts, the Bell 407M is a pragmatic combat vehicle based on the 407 civilian helicopter.
The weapon control system of these helicopters supports the use of high-precision missiles (AGM-114 Hellfire and APKWS), an optical sighting station for detecting and aiming at targets, a weapon mount with 6 points of weapon suspension.
It is also noted that the helicopter is equipped with armored pilot seats, ballistic resistant blades, a fuel system sealing system, means of detecting and countering anti-aircraft missiles, etc.
What is known about the technical characteristics of the Bell 407M
maximum cruising speed - up to 246 km/h,
maximum flight range - up to 624 km,
total useful weight - 1156 kg,
maximum take-off weight - 2381 kg (with external load 2722 kg).
The Bell 407M is in any case inferior in its strike capabilities to specialized attack helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache and AH-1Z Viper. But at the same time, it is much cheaper, - analysts of Defense Express emphasize.
