LONDON – Bell Textron Inc have announced the signing of a purchase agreement for a SUBARU BELL 412EPX helicopter for the US San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff Office’s Emergency Operations Division will utilize the SUBARU BELL 412EPX for critical missions in San Bernadino.
The new helicopter will also provide mutual aid assistance to adjoining counties in the Southern California region. The 412EPX will join three other Bell stablemates at the county department.
“This will be the fourth Bell aircraft operated by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department,” said Lane Evans, managing director, North America; “The SUBARU BELL 412EPX is the most technologically advanced and capable variant of the renowned Bell 412 platform, and it will be pivotal to providing emergency response to a heavily populated and challenging environment.”
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit
Founded in 1972, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit originally began its operations with two Bell 47G helicopters.
Today it operates a diverse fleet of helicopters on multi-role operations, including Bell 212’s as well as Sikorsky, Eurocopter and Airbus rotary wing aircraft.
In additional to general law enforcement support, the Aviation Unit also aids in personnel/cargo transport, airborne photography, search and rescue operations, wildland fire suppression and emergency medical transport services.
“As the lead aerial law enforcement agency for San Bernardino County, it’s critical to have the most reliable aircraft,” says Daniel Futscher, Lieutenant, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Operations Division.
“The topography and vastness of San Bernardino and the neighboring counties we serve can be a challenge, and we are eager to utilize the SUBARU Bell 412EPX to combat those challenges.”
About the SUBARU BELL 412EPX
Built in Japan by Subaru, the 412EPX is further building on the reputation that the 412 line has made for itself as a reliable utility helicopter.
Certified in 2018, the SUBARU BELL 412EPX, possesses an increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs. and ability to carry up to 5,000 lbs. of goods with the cargo hook.
The SUBARU BELL 412EPX benefits from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots; providing operators the ability to transport more supplies and perform operations more efficiently.
This week’s purchase announcement follows the recent news that the New York Police Department (NYPD) acquired 2 SUBARU BELL 412EPX’s for their Aviation Unit.
Similarly, the NYPD first began their aviation operations in 1948 with a Bell 47, fondly remembered by many as the M*A*S*H helicopter.
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