Aircraft Overview
| Aircraft | Bell 407 |
| Also Known As | Bell 407 / 407GX / 407GXi |
| Type | Single-Engine Helicopter |
| Engine | Rolls-Royce 250-C47B/8 (813 shp) |
| Electrical System | 28V DC |
GPU Requirements
The Bell 407 is the modern successor to the 206L LongRanger, widely deployed in EMS, law enforcement, news gathering, corporate transport, and utility roles. The Rolls-Royce 250-C47B is a significantly more powerful engine than the 206’s C20J, producing 813 shp versus 420 shp, and draws proportionally more starting current. The 407GXi variant features Garmin G1000H NXi avionics with dual 10-inch displays drawing higher continuous power than the earlier analog-panel 407. Law enforcement and EMS aircraft equipped with FLIR turrets, searchlights, Nightsun systems, PA speakers, and patient monitoring equipment can push continuous draws to 100–120A — a factor that matters during extended pre-mission system checks and ground-idle operations between callouts.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Starting Voltage | 28V DC |
| Peak Amps Required | 800–1,200A |
| Continuous Draw | 60–80A (standard) / 100–120A (full law enforcement or EMS equipment suite) |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium preferred for weight savings and cold performance |
| Recommended Unit Weight | Under 35 lbs |
| Avionics Note | 407GXi G1000H NXi draws ~15–20% more continuous than analog 407 |
Our Recommendation
Primary pick: Red Box RB50A or Start Pac Portable 1600
The 250-C47B draws noticeably more starting current than the 206’s C20J — expect 800–1,200A peak. The RB50A at 28 lbs with 1,800A peak provides comfortable headroom while remaining compact enough for skid-mount transport or cargo-bay carry during field operations.
Alternative: Powervamp Coolspool 260 or Tronair 17-28/1600
Cold Weather & Special Operations
The 407’s C47B engine is moderately more demanding in cold weather than the 206’s C20J due to its larger turbine section. A 1,600A-rated GPU provides good margin for winter operations. For EMS and law enforcement bases in cold climates, some departments install fixed 28V power posts at each helipad to eliminate portable GPU logistics and ensure instant availability for emergency launches.
Related Guides
For a broader comparison of GPU manufacturers, see our Best Aircraft GPU 2026 review. For battery chemistry decisions, our Lead Acid vs Lithium analysis breaks down total cost of ownership. The GPU Sizing Guide covers voltage, amperage, and duty cycle calculations for any aircraft.
Product Categories
- Battery Start Units — portable starting power
- Continuous Power Supplies — sustained avionics power
- Combination GPU — start + continuous in one unit
- Frequency Converters — 400Hz AC power
- Aircraft Tugs — ground movement equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the 407 and 407GXi for GPU needs?
Starting requirements are virtually identical — both use the 250-C47B engine. The difference is in continuous draw: the GXi’s Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite draws approximately 15–20% more continuous power than the original analog panel. Choose a GPU with stronger continuous output rating if you run extended pre-flight checks on a GXi.
Can I use a Bell 206 GPU on a 407?
Only if the GPU is rated above 1,200A peak. A unit sized specifically for the 206 alone (800A) will likely struggle with the 407’s more powerful C47B engine, especially in cold weather or with an aged starter-generator.
What GPU do police helicopter units use for Bell 407s?
Most law enforcement aviation units use the Red Box RB50A or RB75A, with the larger unit selected when the aircraft carries a full mission equipment suite (FLIR, Nightsun, downlink, PA system). Some departments have transitioned to fixed helipad power installations to guarantee instant launch readiness.
Does the Bell 407 have an APU?
No. The Bell 407 does not have an auxiliary power unit. All engine starts are performed using the ship battery, external GPU, or a combination of both. This makes a portable GPU especially valuable for field operations and remote landing zones.
Editorial Policy
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