LONDON – Bell Textron Inc, announced today a signed purchase agreement for two SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters to the Republic of Croatia’s Ministry of Interior.
This marks a significant milestone in the region as the first purchase agreement for SUBARU Bell 412 EPXs in Europe. The expected delivery date of the aircraft is October 2023.
Management statements
“The SUBARU Bell 412EPX adds increased payload capabilities to the world-renowned Bell 412 platform, and this agreement continues to expand its reputation,” said Duncan Van De Velde, Bell’s managing director, Europe. “We are thrilled to bring the most modern version of the Bell 412 platform to a European customer and showcase its capabilities.”
The Republic of Croatia’s Ministry of the Interior deals with the tasks related to criminal, border and special police activities and other activities related to civil protection.
Roles will also include firefighting, fire protection, surveilling production and trade in explosive substances and weapons, private protection, detective affairs, and mine action.
“The Ministry of Interior is honored to be the first European customer to sign a purchase agreement for the SUBARU Bell 412EPX,” said Ph.D. Davor Božinović, Minister of Interior, Croatia. “We look forward to utilizing its unique capabilities and durability to protect and defend the citizens of Croatia.”
About the SUBARU Bell 412EPX
The Subaru Bell 412 EPX is a joint venture between a Bell Flight and Subaru in the South East Asia region. The helicopter has become a proven performer across a wide spectrum of extreme conditions – hot and high operations as well as over-water and arid desert environments.
The 412 marque has seen the production of a string of reliable workhorses since its original entry into service in 1979. Certified in 2018, the SUBARU Bell 412EPX utility helicopter derives from the Huey family, which was based on the original Bell 412 prototype which first flew in 1979.
The helicopter is powered by two electronically-controlled, 1,800-shaft-horsepower, Pratt & Whitney PT6T-9 engines. The 412EPX has a maximum internal weight of 12,200-pounds, a maximum external weight of 13,000-pounds.
This enables large cargo uplift and personnel transportation, with the ability to carry up to 5,385 lbs. The Bell 412EPX also benefits from a robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, and increased mast torque output at relatively low speeds – below 60 knots.
These features ultimately provide operators the ability to transport more supplies and perform operations more efficiently.
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