Argentine Army presents its first Bell 407 GXi in Mendoza
The Bell 407 GXi will replace the Lama in the Argentine Army's critical mountain missions.
In a ceremony held this Monday in Mendoza, the Argentine Army officially presented its first two Bell 407 GXi helicopters, aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of mountain troops. The event was attended by Brigadier General Xavier Julián Isaac, Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, and Defense Minister Luis Petri.
These aircraft are part of a joint acquisition by the Argentine Army and Air Force, which includes a total of six units—three for each branch. The first unit for the Air Force was received in October 2023 and is already operating from the IV Air Brigade "El Plumerillo", also in Mendoza.
The selection process for this model dates back to 2022, when proposals from Airbus Helicopters (H145) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (LUH Mk-1) were evaluated. The Bell 407 GXi was ultimately chosen as the most suitable option for search and rescue (SAR) missions in mountainous terrain.
Replacement for the Lama
With this incorporation, a concrete step is being taken in the gradual replacement of the veteran SA-315B Lama, which for decades has been the main high-altitude operational platform for Argentina’s Armed Forces. The long-delayed replacement project began to materialize in December 2024, when two units were inspected at Bell’s facilities in Tennessee, USA, by the Joint Military Airworthiness Directorate.
The Bell 407 GXi is a lightweight, single-engine helicopter featuring a four-blade main rotor and a composite rotor head. It is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C47E B/8 engine, enabling cruise speeds of up to 133 knots (246 km/h). The cockpit is equipped with Garmin G1000H NXi avionics, enhancing pilot situational awareness and safety under adverse weather conditions.
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Its versatility allows it to carry out personnel transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian support, and special operations in hard-to-reach areas, especially in high-altitude environments.
A step forward in joint modernization
As noted during the event, pilots from both branches were trained together, in line with the objective of enhancing interoperability and coordinated operational planning.
With the arrival of these two units to the Army, the planned fleet is now evenly split—three helicopters per force, with additional deliveries scheduled for 2025. The initial deployment in Mendoza ensures priority coverage for liaison, rescue, and logistical support missions in mountainous regions, where aerial presence is essential due to terrain limitations.
AUTOR
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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