The EDAT system has been flight testing in Canada since May 2019 in the testbed of a modified Model 429 twin-engine light helicopter that uses four fixed-pitch electrically driven fans mounted in the vertical stabiliser, replacing the conventional tail rotor.

The idea is that, compared with traditional tail rotors, the EDAT will improve efficiency and reliability, as well as reduce acoustic signature and lower maintenance costs. Bell hopes to change the safety, noise and performance parameters of vertical lift aircraft forever.

Bell intends to move into flight envelope expansion of the EDAT and will also work to optimise it further. “We do see it as a steppingstone to the fully electric aircraft,” said Eric Sinusas, EDAT Program Manager and Program Director for light aircraft. “We feel like it should make the certification paths for these technologies easier.”