First Two Bell 407GXi for Argentine Army Aviation
On 21 December 2022, Argentina ordered six Bell 407GXi helicopters to equip its armed forces. Of these, three were allocated to the Fuerza Aérea Argentina (FAA, Argentine Air Force) and three to the Comando de Aviación del Ejército Argentino (EA, Argentine Army Aviation).
The FAA received its first Bell 407GXi, serial H-111, on 25 October 2023.
Now, the first two for the army have been rolled out. These helicopters, serial numbers AE-340/N318JT (c/n 56412) and AE-341/N318LB (c/n 56415), are scheduled for delivery to Argentina in the first quarter of 2025, replacing the ageing SA315B Lama.
Coincidentally, one of the existing Lama helicopters, AE-390, experienced a hard landing earlier this week, on 3 December. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no serious injuries or significant damage.
The mountain rescue unit based in Mendoza, Sección de Aviación de Ejército de Montaña No. 8 (Sec Av Ej M 8), will be the proud recipient of the new Bell 407GXis.
Credit photo: Ejército Argentino