Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the SUBARU Bell 412EPX has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification and can begin flight operations throughout the European Union. Bell secured multiple orders for the SUBARU Bell 412EPX platform in Europe, including one aircraft to Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior. The aircraft will be used for civil protection, firefighting, medical transport and natural disaster support. On a global scale, Bell recently announced signed purchase agreements for the SUBARU Bell 412EPXs to San Diego Fire-Rescue, the Japan Coast Guard, and Japan’s Nara and Miyazaki Prefectures.
“We’re pleased the SUBARU Bell 412EPX has received EASA certification and look forward to seeing its growing success in the European region,” said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell. “This is a testament to the program’s dedication to bring the most advanced Bell 412 model and its unparalleled capabilities to different markets and serve new customers and their missions.”
The Bell 412 is a utility helicopter of the Huey family manufactured by Bell Helicopter. With eleven aircraft variants spanning over four decades, the Bell 412 possesses a long history of supporting critical missions, including firefighting, law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations. It is a development of the Bell 212, with the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor. It is a twin-turbine helicopter that has been popular on the civilian and military markets, and major users include Canada, Italy, and Japan.
SUBARU BELL 412EPX is the next generation utility helicopter that further improves reliability and durability of the Bell 412 series currently active in various fields. Combining its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs., and ability to carry 5,000 lbs. with a cargo hook, the SUBARU Bell 412EPX stands-out in its class for its ability to transport multitudes of public safety supplies. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX’s robust main rotor gearbox with dry run capability enables operators to benefit from increased horsepower to perform public safety operations more efficiently.
