Bell Terminates Four Product Lines

Bell Helicopter is ending production of four civil aircraft lines—the 206B3, 427, 430, and 210—and focusing on developing derivative families of its remaining lines, starting with the new Model 429. In addition to that new aircraft, slated for certification this year, Bell said it would concentrate on the 407 and the 412. After initial deliveries of the light twin 429, Bell plans to look at a higher gross-weight version of its as well as a single-engine variant. Bell executives have been visiting operators of the aircraft in the canceled lines to address their concerns about support. The company said it would fulfill commitments on the four canceled lines through 2010.  For related news