Bell presented a solution for installing Hellfire missiles on civilian helicopters
The Bell company, operating in the North American market, has introduced an outboard that allows you to turn any civilian helicopter into a combat one. The idea of its development came to American designers after the introduction of sanctions, which significantly limited the capabilities of the Russian aircraft industry. This forced countries that operate Russian helicopters to think about finding new suppliers.
According to The War Zone, Bell intends to develop a whole line of weapons designed to be installed on civilian helicopters. Not all countries can afford attack helicopters like the H-1.
Presented by Bell, the outboard allows you to arm civilian helicopters:
- Hellfire guided missiles.
- Unguided rockets DAP-6.
- GAU-19/B machine guns.
In addition, it can be used to mount M260, M261 and APKWS rocket launchers. The manufacturing company plans to offer the attachments to customers along with the Bell 407 helicopters. The lack of armament on the Bell 407 allows it to be sold through DCS (Direct Commercial Sales) rather than FMS (Foreign Military Sales). The use of the FMS mechanism requires the approval of the State Department and Congress. In tandem with an outboard, the Bell 407 will be able to perform the functions of a scout or a light attack aircraft.
