Argentine Army receives first two Bell 407GXis

The first two Bell 407s for the Argentine Army. (Argentina Army)

The Argentine Army accepted delivery of two Bell 407GXis at the Bell Flight factory in Piney Flats, Tennessee, on 4 December, according to a statement by the service.

The helicopters are the first for the army from a batch of six purchased in 2023. Three of the Bell 407GXis are allocated to the air force, which received its first in October 2023, while the army will take the three outstanding.

The army Bells, registered AE-340 and AE-341, will be assigned to the 8th Mountain Army Aviation Section in Mendoza, replacing its Aerospatiale SA-315B Lamas. Only one Lama – serial number AE-387 – is operational, following a 3 December accident in which serial number AE-390 was destroyed (its five occupants escaped with minor injuries).

The two new Bell 407s are expected to arrive in Argentina in early 2025, each equipped with a rescue hoist, searchlight, cabin configuration suitable for a stretcher, and the ability to carry cargo containers on either side.

For more information, please seeArgentina orders Bell 407GXi helicopters for its army and air force .