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Bell 430
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The Bell 430 is an American/Canadian twin-engine light-medium helicopter built by Bell Helicopter. It is a stretched and more powerful development of the Bell 230, which, in turn, was based on the earlier Bell 222.

Key Information

Development

[edit]

While developing the reengined Model 222 as the 230, Bell began preliminary design work on a stretched derivative with a four-bladed main rotor in 1991. The Bell 430 was formally launched in February 1992, with two prototypes modified from Bell 230s. The first of these flew in its new configuration on October 25, 1994, and the second prototype, featuring the full 430 avionics suite, first flew on December 19, 1994.[1]

Production of the Bell 230 ended in August 1995, and 430 production began. The first 430 production aircraft was completed later that year. Canadian certification was awarded on February 23, 1996. Deliveries began in mid-1996.[1]

On January 24, 2008, Bell announced plans to terminate production of its Model 430 after order commitments were fulfilled in 2008.[2] Production ended after 136 helicopters were completed,[3] with the last being delivered in May 2008.[4]

Design

[edit]

The Bell 430 features several significant improvements over the 230, the most significant of these being the new four-blade, bearingless, hingeless, composite main rotor. Although both the 230 and 430 are powered by Rolls-Royce (Allison) 250 turboshaft engines, the 430's engines are 10% more powerful. Other changes include the 1 ft 6 in (46 cm) stretched fuselage, providing for two extra seats, an optional EFIS flight deck, and a choice of either skids or retractable wheeled undercarriage.[1]

The typical configuration seats ten, including a pilot and co-pilot with eight passengers in the main cabin behind them in three rows of seats. Six- and eight-place executive layouts are offered. In an EMS role it can carry one or two stretcher patients with four or three medical attendants, respectively. Maximum external load capacity is 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg).[1]

Operational history

[edit]

The Bell 430 entered service in 1996, with thirteen delivered that year.[5] In 1998, some 50 Bell 430s were in service with 9,000 flight hours totaled.[6]

On September 3, 1996, Americans Ron Bower and John Williams broke the round-the-world helicopter record with the second Bell 430, flying westwards from the UK with a time of 17 days, 6 hours and 14 minutes.[1][4]

Operators

[edit]
Bell 430

Military

[edit]
 Bulgaria
 Dominican Republic
 Ecuador

Civilian

[edit]
 Indonesia
 United States

Accidents

[edit]

On September 2, 2009, an Andhra Govt. Bell 430 carrying Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and his party from Andhra Pradesh in southern India went missing over a local stretch of forest. The charred wreckage was found the next morning, crashed on a hilltop in the Nallamala Hills[18] leaving no survivors, five persons deceased.

Specifications

[edit]
Bell 230 and Bell 430 comparison
Model 230 430
Announced 1990 1991
First Flight August 12, 1991 October 25, 1994
Certified March 1992 February 23, 1996
Delivered November 1992 1996
Seats 2 (pilot & copilot) + 5–6 passengers 2 + 6–8
Height 11 ft 8 in (3.56 m) 12 ft 3 in (3.73 m)
Fuselage length 42 ft 3 in (12.88 m) 44 ft 1 in (13.44 m)
Rotor diameter 42 ft (13 m)
Length overall 50 ft 3 in (15.32 m)
Engine (2×) Allison 250C30G2 Rolls-Royce 250-C40B
Power (2×) 700 hp (520 kW) 783 hp (584 kW)
Max. speed 140 knots (160 mph; 260 km/h) 140 knots (160 mph; 260 km/h)
Climb rate 1,600 ft/min (8.13 m/s) 1,350 ft/min (6.86 m/s)
Service ceiling 15,500 ft (4,700 m) 14,600 ft (4,500 m)
Hover ceiling 12,400 ft (3,800 m) 11,350 ft (3,460 m)
Fuel capacity 188+ US gal (710+ L) 188+ US gal (710+ L)
Range 378 nmi (435 mi; 700 km) 324 nmi (373 mi; 600 km)
Empty Weight 5,097 pounds (2,312 kg) 5,305 pounds (2,406 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight 8,400 pounds (3,800 kg) 9,300 pounds (4,200 kg)
Serial Numbers 23001–23038 49001–49123+

Sources: Airliners.net,[19][20] helicopterdirect.com,[21] AircraftOne.com[22]

See also

[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bell 430

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Bell 430 is a twin-engine, light-medium developed by Bell Helicopter as a stretched and more powerful derivative of the Bell 230, featuring a four-bladed main rotor system, optional retractable wheeled or skid , and capacity for up to 10 occupants in executive or configurations. Powered by two Rolls-Royce 250-C40B engines each producing 584 kW (783 hp), it offers a of 4,218 kg (9,300 lb), a cruise speed of 250 km/h (135 knots), and a range of approximately 653 km (352 nautical miles) with standard fuel. Development of the Bell 430 began with preliminary design work in , leading to the program's formal launch in February 1992, with two prototypes converted from existing Bell 230 airframes. The first prototype achieved its on October 25, 1994, at Bell's facility in , , followed by Canadian certification in February 1996 and the initial delivery to customer Dirgantara in June 1996. Production continued until 2008, resulting in 136 helicopters built, primarily for corporate executive transport, , , and offshore utility roles. Notable for its advanced glass cockpit options and single-pilot IFR certification achieved in 1999, the Bell 430 set a for circumnavigating the in 1996, completing the journey in 17 days, 6 hours, and 14 minutes. Its stretched cabin, extended by 0.46 m compared to the Bell 230, provided improved passenger comfort and versatility, while the bearingless rotor design enhanced maneuverability and reduced maintenance needs. Although production has ceased, the model remains in active service worldwide, supported by ongoing maintenance programs from .

History

Development

The Bell 430 was announced in February 1992 as a stretched and more powerful development of the Bell 230, incorporating design elements from the earlier Bell 222 twin-turbine helicopter to enhance commercial utility. Preliminary design work began in 1991, focusing on a four-bladed bearingless main rotor system and an extended fuselage to improve passenger capacity and mission flexibility. The first , a modified Bell 230 registered C-GBLL and equipped with wheeled , conducted its on October 25, 1994, at Bell Helicopter's facility in , . This initial testing emphasized integration of the new four-bladed rotor for improved lift and reduced vibration, alongside validation of the extension. A second , C-GEXP with skid gear and full , followed on December 19, 1994, advancing evaluations toward . Key engineering challenges included extending the fuselage by 450 mm to increase cabin volume by 23% while preserving hover performance and overall handling characteristics. Engineers addressed aerodynamic issues with thinner blade tips to mitigate , noise, and effects, ensuring the rotor's compatibility with upgraded Allison 250-C40B engines and a reinforced main gearbox. These modifications raised the from 3,810 kg on the Bell 230 to 4,218 kg. Transport Canada granted type certification on February 23, 1996, for the twin-engine light-medium under Category A operations in the normal category, with FAA approval following in August 1996 per FAR Part 29 standards. The certification encompassed single-pilot IFR capabilities and validated the design for up to nine passengers, confirming the Bell 430's evolution as a versatile executive and utility platform.

Production

Production of the Bell 430 commenced in 1996 at Bell Helicopter's manufacturing facility in , . Following certification on February 23, 1996, the first customer aircraft was delivered on 25 June 1996 to IPTN (now Dirgantara) . A total of 13 units were delivered during the inaugural year, marking the transition from the related Bell 230 model. Deliveries peaked in the late , with 8 units in 1997, 15 in 1998, and 18 in 1999, before stabilizing at 11 in 2000, 14 in 2001, and 7 in 2002. Production continued at a reduced rate through the mid-2000s, culminating in a total of 136 helicopters built. The final aircraft was delivered in May 2008. Bell announced the end of 430 production on January 24, 2008, after fulfilling existing orders, to optimize its portfolio and redirect resources toward higher-volume programs. This decision was driven by declining demand for the intermediate twin, a market shift favoring newer light twins like the Bell 429, and broader economic pressures including the . The unit price for a typically equipped Bell 430 reached approximately $6.5 million in 2008 dollars.

Design

Airframe and Rotor System

The Bell 430 incorporates a stretched fuselage design that measures 44 feet 1 inch (13.44 meters) in length overall, representing an 18-inch extension from the preceding Bell 230 model to enhance passenger capacity. This configuration allows for up to 10 seats in a utility arrangement, including options for two pilots plus eight passengers. The fuselage structure is primarily built from light alloy for durability, with selective use of composite materials in panels such as the auxiliary and engine to reduce weight and improve corrosion resistance. The main rotor system consists of four all-composite blades mounted on elastomeric bearings in a bearingless configuration, with a of 42 feet (12.8 meters) that provides a disc area of 128.7 square meters. This rotor, adapted from the Bell 230, features primary structural elements made of composites to minimize corrosion and simplify maintenance while delivering enhanced lift and maneuverability compared to its predecessor. The is a two-bladed assembly with a of 6 feet 9 inches (2.1 meters) and a chord of 10 inches (0.254 meters), mounted on the port side of the tail boom for directional control. The offers optional retractable tricycle , with main gear wheels and a steerable wheel that retract hydraulically into the for reduced drag during cruise; fixed skids are also available. The cabin measures 8 feet 3 inches in length, 4 feet 8 inches in height, and 4 feet 10 inches in width, supporting flexible configurations for executive, (EMS), or utility operations. In executive setups, it accommodates up to eight passengers in a club seating arrangement across two compartments; EMS variants provide 158 cubic feet of space for one or two stretchers plus attendant seating; and utility roles allow for cargo or mixed loads. Access is via forward and aft plug-type doors on each side, each measuring 4 feet 3 inches high and 3 feet wide (expandable to 4 feet 6 inches with optional hinged sections), facilitating easy loading of passengers or equipment. Baggage capacity totals 37 cubic feet, distributed in an aft compartment accessible via a dedicated door on the right side.

Powerplant and Performance

The Bell 430 is equipped with two Rolls-Royce 250-C40B engines, each rated at 783 shaft horsepower (shp) for takeoff and featuring full authority digital engine control () systems that provide automatic , torque matching, and engine synchronization for optimal efficiency and pilot workload reduction. These engines deliver a combined power output that supports the helicopter's multi-role capabilities, including enhanced one-engine-inoperative (OEI) performance with contingency ratings up to 940 shp per engine for 2.5 minutes. The fuel system includes a standard capacity of 188 gallons (711 liters) of usable Jet A fuel in the wheeled configuration, with consumption rates averaging approximately 88 gallons per hour at cruise, enabling an of up to 4.4 hours depending on mission profile and auxiliary tank options. This capacity supports extended operations while maintaining balance through self-sealing bladder tanks and crash-resistant features integrated into the . The power-to-weight ratio, derived from the 1,566 total shp against a maximum gross weight of 9,300 pounds, enables a maximum speed of 140 knots (259 km/h) in level flight at under standard conditions. Similarly, this propulsion setup contributes to a hover ceiling out-of-ground effect (OGE) of 10,700 feet at (ISA) conditions with both engines operational, allowing reliable performance in moderate high-altitude environments. The climb rate reaches 1,350 feet per minute (6.9 m/s) at ISA, reflecting the engines' efficient power delivery during initial ascent phases. Additionally, the configuration supports a sling load capability of up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) for external cargo operations, limited by the structural and power margins provided by the twin-engine design.

Avionics and Configurations

The Bell 430 features a standard avionics suite centered around the KFC 500 automatic flight control system (AFCS), which provides coupled hover, altitude hold, and heading hold capabilities for enhanced pilot workload management. Optional integration of the Rogerson-Kratos (EFIS) transforms the cockpit into a configuration with four-tube displays for primary flight and navigation data. The baseline communication and navigation package includes the Bendix/King Gold Crown III suite with dual VHF transceivers and VOR/ILS receivers, supporting basic VFR operations. For instrument flight rules (IFR) certification, optional upgrades expand the avionics envelope with dual GPS units, such as Garmin GNS 430/530 series, enabling precise area navigation and WAAS approaches. Traffic collision avoidance is available through systems like the Honeywell KTA 870 traffic advisory system (TAS), providing audio and visual alerts for nearby aircraft. Weather avoidance options include color weather radar installations, such as the Honeywell RDR-2000 or ART-2000, which overlay storm data on the EFIS for real-time hazard detection during en route flight. The Bell 430 supports multiple mission-specific configurations to adapt its spacious cabin for diverse roles, with interior layouts certified for up to 8-10 passengers in standard setups. The executive variant emphasizes luxury, incorporating reclining club seating, enhanced panels, wood veneered consoles, and optional refreshment cabinets, which add approximately 200-300 pounds to the equipped weight depending on customization levels. In (EMS) configuration, the cabin accommodates litter kits for two patients, pivotable stretchers, attendant jump seats for 3-4 medical personnel, and equipment storage bays, reducing passenger capacity but maintaining a useful load of around 2,500 pounds after installation; an optional side litter door facilitates rapid patient loading. The utility configuration prioritizes cargo operations with reinforced floor tiedowns and an optional 1,587 kg (3,500 lb) capacity external cargo hook, which imposes a 150-200 pound weight penalty but enables sling loading for external payloads without interior reconfiguration. Post-production upgrades allow modernization of older Bell 430 fleets, notably through (STC) installations of the G500H integrated flight display system, which replaces legacy instruments with dual 10.4-inch touchscreen LCD panels for synthetic vision, helicopter awareness, and seamless integration with existing GPS and AFCS components. These enhancements improve and compliance with current requirements while preserving the 's core performance .

Operations

Entry into Service

The Bell 430 entered commercial service with initial deliveries commencing in mid-1996, following Canadian certification on February 23, 1996. These first aircraft were primarily acquired by corporate and emergency medical services (EMS) operators in North America, where the helicopter's spacious cabin and performance suited executive transport and medical evacuation roles. The inaugural delivery occurred on June 25, 1996, when the sixth production unit (N6282X) was handed over to Indonesia's Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN, now PT Dirgantara Indonesia) in an eight-seat executive configuration. A total of 13 Bell 430s were delivered in 1996, marking a strong debut for the model. By 1998, approximately 50 Bell 430s were in service worldwide, having collectively logged over 9,000 flight hours, demonstrating rapid operational buildup among early adopters. Initial teething issues, particularly with main rotor track and balance, were addressed through Bell-issued service bulletins, such as ASB 430-22-61, which provided procedures for adjustments and inspections to enhance reliability. Global expansion accelerated shortly after entry into service, with the 1996 delivery to IPTN representing the first to ; subsequent international placements reached by 1997, broadening the fleet's footprint beyond .

Notable Achievements

In 1996, pilots Ron Bower and set a round-the-world using a Bell 430, completing the westbound journey in 17 days, 6 hours, 14 minutes, and 25 seconds. This marked the first such record for a westbound flight and demonstrated the Bell 430's reliability over long distances. The Bell 430 gained prominence in VIP transport during the late and early , particularly for executive and governmental use. Bahrain's and high-ranking officials employed VIP-configured Bell 430s for dedicated transport, highlighting the model's luxurious cabin and performance capabilities. In one notable instance, a Bell 430 transported actor in 2016, underscoring its role in high-profile civilian operations. The helicopter received recognition in corporate aviation for its combination of speed, comfort, and advanced four-blade rotor system, which enhanced its appeal for executive transport. It also appeared in media, including the 2005 film Submerged, where it featured in action sequences, and in news coverage of early 2000s rescue operations, such as those conducted by the University of Michigan's Survival Flight program using Bell 430s for medical evacuations.

Current Status

As of 2025, the Bell 430 maintains an estimated active fleet of approximately 80-100 units worldwide, derived from listings and operator reports indicating sustained operational use despite the model's production cessation in 2008. This legacy fleet continues to serve in niche roles such as short-haul corporate transport and pilot training, supported by ongoing parts availability through Bell Textron's maintenance programs, which ensure compliance with current airworthiness standards. Used Bell 430 units are actively traded on the , with values ranging from $1.4 million to $2 million depending on condition, hours, and upgrades, which can extend into the 2030s. These upgrades, including modernized and composite repairs, contribute to the model's viability in regions with favorable regulatory environments for older twin-engine . While many operators have transitioned to the successor Bell 429 for its enhanced performance and production support, the Bell 430 persists in select markets, particularly in and for specialized missions like air ambulance and coastal operations, where its proven reliability meets cost-effective needs.

Operators

Military Operators

The Bell 430 has seen limited but notable adoption by military operators worldwide, primarily for VIP transport, (SAR), , utility, and (medevac) roles. The acquired one Bell 430 in 2000 for VIP transport duties, operated from the 24th Air Base at Graf Ignatievo as part of the government's aviation unit; the aircraft carried Air Force markings but was transferred to civilian ownership in 2005 and is no longer in military service. The has operated two Bell 430 helicopters since approximately 2005, assigned to the Escuadrón de Rescate for and SAR missions; one unit (HI-883) served as a presidential aircraft from 2004 until its retirement around 2011, while the second (FAD 3071) remains active as of 2025. The operated four Bell 430 helicopters (registrations HN-405, HN-407, HN-409, HN-411) for utility transport, medevac, and coastal roles, with initial acquisitions including two units delivered in 2010 and one additional Bell 430 added in 2023 alongside a ; one (HN-407) was lost in a crash near La Frutilla on May 6, 2024, during a flight, resulting in two fatalities, prompting the temporary grounding of the remaining fleet for safety evaluations, though the fleet has since resumed operations as of 2025. Other minor military and paramilitary users, such as police forces in , have employed small fleets of one to two Bell 430s for utility and support roles since the early , though specific retirement statuses vary and some units have transitioned to operations.

Civilian Operators

The Bell 430 has been employed by various U.S. police departments for and missions, leveraging its advanced and endurance for urban and rural operations. The Aviation Unit operates Bell 430 helicopters as part of its fleet of 12 rotary-wing aircraft, including models for and support. Similarly, the maintains two Bell 430s at its Baton Rouge Operations Base, alongside other helicopters for statewide aerial support. The also utilizes a Bell 430 for patrols, capable of extended flights over 300 miles. In the emergency medical services (EMS) sector, the Bell 430 supports rapid patient transport with configurations for ICU-level care, including space for stretchers and medical attendants. Netcare 911, a major HEMS provider in South Africa, includes Bell 430s in its fleet of twin-engine helicopters, enabling 24/7 operations across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape provinces. In October 2025, Netcare 911 added a new Bell 430 to its air ambulance fleet, equipped for efficient medical evacuations. Internationally, Indonesian operators utilize the Bell 430 for offshore support in the and gas industry, where its range and stability suit maritime environments. Pelita Air Service operates Bell 430s for passenger and surveillance missions in , including coastal routes. Dabi Air Nusantara, another Indonesian firm, employs one Bell 430 for passenger transport, freight, HEMS, and surveillance tasks in remote areas. In , a pre-owned Bell 430 arrived for assembly in March 2025, destined for a new civilian owner in the sector. Corporate users favor the Bell 430 for executive transport, often with custom interiors for high-profile clients in sectors like oil and gas. HeliFlite, a New York-based operator, runs a fleet of Bell 430s for and on-demand flights, including models with enhanced passenger amenities. The helicopter's continued use by offshore oil companies underscores its reliability for transporting executives to remote platforms. In 2025, active sales listings for used Bell 430s ranged from $1.4 million to $2 million, reflecting steady demand among private and commercial buyers.

Safety

Notable Incidents and Accidents

On September 2, 2009, a Bell 430 helicopter registered VT-APG, operated by the government, crashed into Rudrakonda Hill in the during a flight from Hyderabad to , , resulting in the deaths of all five occupants, including Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, his political advisor, and the two pilots. The accident was classified as a (CFIT) exacerbated by inclement weather, including heavy cloud cover and poor visibility, which led to the pilots losing and colliding with the terrain. Investigation by India's of attributed the crash to a combination of adverse weather conditions and in maintaining control, with no evidence of mechanical failure or sabotage. On September 26, 2016, Bell 430 registration D2-EYI, operated by Heli Malongo for offshore oil support, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean approximately 20 km east-southeast of Cabinda, , while en route from Malongo Airport to a Chevron , killing all six occupants, including the pilot and five passengers (one Chevron employee and four contractors). The wreckage was located by divers after an extensive search involving 19 vessels and three helicopters, but the exact cause remained undetermined following the Angolan Ministry of Transport's investigation, though structural failure—particularly in the main rotor system—was suspected based on subsequent analyses linking it to similar incidents. On January 21, 2021, Bell 430 registration ZT-RRT, operated by 911 as a (HEMS) aircraft under the callsign "Netcare 1," crashed in open fields near Colenso in , , during a patient transfer flight from Ladysmith to , resulting in the deaths of all five occupants: the pilot and four medical personnel. The South African Civil Aviation Authority's final report determined the probable cause as an in-flight failure of the clevis on the pitch control lever of one main rotor , leading to loss of control, rapid descent, breakup in mid-air, and a post-impact that destroyed the . On May 6, 2024, Bell 430 registration HN-407, operated by the (Aviación Naval Ecuatoriana), crashed near La Frutilla in Juntas del Pacífico, Santa Elena province, , during a surveillance mission, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft was destroyed, and the cause remains under investigation by Ecuadorian authorities. Other minor incidents involving the Bell 430 have been documented, such as the August 4, 2010, ground incident with N430CM at Venice Airport, , , where the collective servo actuator piston rod fractured during an engine run-up test, causing no injuries but substantial damage; the (NTSB) investigation concluded as the cause, with no flight impact. Similar non-fatal events, including hard landings investigated by authorities like the NTSB and UK's (AAIB), have highlighted issues like maintenance oversights or environmental factors but resulted in no fatalities.

Airworthiness Directives

The (FAA) issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-24-09 in November 2021, applicable to certain Canada Limited Model 430 helicopters equipped with specific main rotor pitch link assemblies, requiring one-time inspections of the pitch link clevis for cracks using visual and magnetic particle methods, with replacement mandated if defects are detected. This directive stemmed from analyses of fatigue-related failures in the components, aiming to prevent loss of control. In April 2025, the FAA superseded AD 2021-24-09 with a new directive (AD 2025-09-03, effective May 13, 2025), expanding requirements to include initial detailed visual inspections of the pitch link tube assembly, rod end assembly, and universal pitch link bolt within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 60 days, whichever occurs first, followed by recurring visual inspections of the main rotor clevises and universal bearings, with magnetic particle inspections (MPI) after each visual check. Affected components exceeding revised life limits must be replaced, and assemblies re-identified with updated part numbers (e.g., from 430-010-411-105 to 430-010-411-109); this update incorporates enhanced protocols from AD CF-2024-40 to address ongoing fatigue risks. Other notable directives include AD 2016-21-01, which established a 5,000-hour retirement life for certain main rotor hub bolts (P/N MS21250-08083) on Model 430 helicopters with serial numbers 49001 through 49129, requiring removal of any exceeding this limit within 10 hours to avert potential hub failure. Additionally, AD 2010-19-51 addressed hydraulic issues on Model 430 helicopters, mandating disassembly, for and nonconforming repairs on the output rod and nut, and replacement or rework as needed to prevent actuator failure. These ADs necessitate scheduled downtimes, with operators required to comply before further flight, resulting in fleet-wide intervals that can impose operational pauses of up to 60 days for initial actions under the 2025 directive. Compliance is tracked through FAA reporting, ensuring high adherence rates among the approximately 80 active Model 430 to maintain airworthiness.

Specifications

General Characteristics

The Bell 430 is a twin-engine light-medium designed for executive transport, utility, and roles, featuring a four-bladed main rotor system and configurable seating.
CharacteristicSpecification
1–2 pilots
CapacityUp to 8 passengers (standard configuration supports 1 pilot + 8; executive variants typically seat 1–2 pilots + 6–7 passengers)
Length44 ft 1 in (13.44 m) fuselage length (skid gear)
Height13 ft 2 in (4.02 m) overall (standard skid gear configuration)
Empty weight5,325 lb (2,415 kg) standard empty weight (skid gear configuration)
Max takeoff weight9,300 lb (4,218 kg)
Fuel capacity187.5 gal (710 L) usable (wheel gear configuration); 247 gal (935 L) (skid gear)
Main rotor diameter42 ft 0 in (12.80 m)
Main rotor area1,385 sq ft (128.7 m²)
All specifications apply to the standard production model with no major sub-variants; weights and capacities vary with landing gear type (skid or retractable wheel) and optional equipment such as auxiliary fuel tanks.

Performance

The Bell 430 exhibits strong performance capabilities for a light twin-engine helicopter, enabling efficient operations in executive, utility, and search-and-rescue roles. Key metrics highlight its balance of speed, endurance, and altitude performance under standard conditions (wheel gear unless noted).
ParameterValueNotes
Maximum speed147 ktas (169 mph)Max continuous, ISA conditions, wheel gear. Skid gear: 143 ktas.
Cruise speed135 ktasLong-range cruise configuration, wheel gear. Skid gear: 130 ktas.
Range286 nmi (no reserves); 324 nmi (with reserves)Standard fuel load at max gross weight (9,300 lb), wheel gear; auxiliary tanks can extend further. Skid gear: 367 nmi (no reserves).
Service ceiling16,180 ftAll engines operating (AEO), ISA at max gross weight.
Hover ceiling IGE10,400 ftIn ground effect, ISA at max gross weight, wheel gear; out-of-ground-effect (OGE) is 6,200 ft.
Rate of climb1,580 ft/min, ISA, max gross weight.
Disk loading6.71 lb/sq ftBased on max gross weight and 42 ft rotor diameter.
Power-to-weight ratio0.17 hp/lbDerived from dual Rolls-Royce 250-C40B engines (total 1,566 shp) at max gross weight.
These figures are achieved at maximum gross weight of 9,300 lb under (ISA) conditions. Payload trade-offs significantly impact performance; for instance, carrying maximum passengers (up to 8) reduces fuel capacity, limiting range to under 300 nmi with reserves, while sling loads up to 2,800 lb further constrain ceilings and climb rates.

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  44. http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/bulgaria/gov/types/bulg-govt-aircraft.htm
  45. https://www.aeroflight.co.uk/ops/gov/bulgarian-government-aviation-unit
  46. https://www.airhistory.net/photo/59173/430
  47. http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/dominican_rep/DomRep-af-EscHel.htm
  48. https://www.helis.com/database/cn/31889/
  49. https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11270263
  50. https://www.globalmilitary.net/aircraft/bell-430/
  51. https://fl360aero.com/detail/ecuador-grounds-five-bell-430-helicopters-operated-by-the-ecuadorian-navy-until-technical-evaluations-are-carried-out/1729
  52. https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/defense-updates/ecuadors-navy-enlists-two-additional-helicopters-for-coastal-operations/
  53. https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/ecuador/muertos-accidente-helicoptero-armada-santa-elena-nota/
  54. https://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1352/
  55. https://www.instagram.com/p/DL6FQeTsRjL/
  56. https://defensemirror.com/news/36732/Ecuadorian_Bell_430_Helicopter_Crashes__3_Dead
  57. https://www.businessairnews.com/hb_airportpage.html?recnum=4458
  58. https://troopers.ny.gov/specialty-units
  59. https://lsp.org/about/leadershipsections/special-operations/air-support-unit/baton-rouge-operations-base/
  60. https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/2015/03/michigan_state_police_helicopt.html
  61. https://www.airhistory.net/original-type/242/Bell-430
  62. http://www.charterbroker.aero/direct_detail.html?id=165511
  63. https://www.facebook.com/FlyNAC/posts/a-pre-owned-bell-430-has-arrived-at-our-facilities-at-rand-airport-and-is-ready-/1232552035539750/
  64. https://rwsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CFIT-brochure.pdf
  65. https://www.rediff.com/news/report/ysr-pilots-error-led-to-ysr-chopper-crash-probe/20100120.htm
  66. https://aerossurance.com/safety-management/ad-fatal-bell-430-accidents/
  67. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/246948
  68. https://asn.flightsafety.org/reports/2021/20210121_B430_ZT-RRT.pdf
  69. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/387708
  70. https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/76952/pdf
  71. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/11/22/2021-25489/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters
  72. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2016-10-14/pdf/2016-24741.pdf
  73. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2010/11/24/2010-29199/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-canada-model-222-222b-222u-230-and-430-helicopters
  74. https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives
  75. https://www.aviatorsdatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/430-Product-Specs-2005-jan.pdf
  76. https://www.aircraftcostcalculator.com/AircraftOperatingCosts/414/Bell%2B430
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