Just got in from the Bell factory 206 Pilot course, good sources indicate
that the 427 will be getting a fenestron type tail, elastomeric main rotor,
enlarged cabin to better suite EMS work, and a new transmission called the
'pancake' transmission which has only a 'bull' gear and a bevel gear ie. no
sun/planetary type setup. Target price (if achieved) is under 2 million!
By the way What a Fine Course!!! Bell Factory School is. I encourage all to
go at some point to see the experts do it -- and to learn a few pointers
along the way such as how to survive almost anything short of a main rotor
departure. Cannot imagine a more forgiving ship than the 206.
Gaylon