The Bell 429 WLG (IGW) is a high-performance variant of the Bell 429 light twin-engine helicopter, featuring increased gross weight (IGW) and a wheeled landing gear (WLG) configuration for enhanced mission flexibility. Derived from the baseline Bell 429, the WLG version retains the core airframe and systems but incorporates refinements tailored for corporate, parapublic, and utility operations.
The Bell 429 program took its first flight in 2007, with full production beginning in 2009. The IGW certification raised the maximum gross weight limit from 7,000 to 7,500 pounds, enabling additional fuel or payload capacity. The WLG variant offers retractable landing gear, reducing drag for improved aerodynamics while enhancing ground handling and hangar mobility.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1 turboshaft engines, each delivering 719 shaft horsepower, the Bell 429 WLG (IGW) reaches a maximum cruise speed of 155 knots and a range of approximately 276 nautical miles. The aircraft features advanced avionics via the Bell BasiX-Pro integrated glass cockpit, including IFR capabilities and dual redundant systems for added safety.
The flat-floor cabin is configurable for up to seven passengers in a corporate layout, with a total cabin volume of 134 cubic feet. Large clamshell rear doors and a wide, unobstructed interior make it ideal for VIP transport, EMS missions, or surveillance roles.
With its combination of range, payload, speed, and system redundancy, the Bell 429 WLG (IGW) offers operators a reliable platform capable of executing diverse missions across complex environments. It remains in production as of 2025.
