The Bell 412 celebrates 40 years of flight

Since the introduction of the Bell 412 in 1981, Bell has developed 11 different variants, the latest being the recently unveiled Subaru Bell 412 EPX. The evolution of the Bell 412 is a testament to the incredible flexibility and durability of the aircraft, a utility helicopter with designs originating from Huey.

Customers continue to rely on the Bell 412, which carries operators through para-public, offshore and emergency medical missions every day. From moving employees to oil rig sites off the coast of Africa, to fighting fires in Australia, to presidential duties in Asia, the platform brings cargo-carrying abilities and power to each job.

Subaru Bell 412EPC most advanced

The most advanced version of the platform, the Subaru Bell 412EPX, now has an increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 pounds, and an external weight of 13,000 pounds and can carry up to 5,000 pounds of goods with a cargo hook. Having the widest loading door in its class enables quick unloading and loading into a spacious cabin that seats 14 passengers.

As a joint partnership between Bell and Subaru to support the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, the Subaru Bell 412 EPX benefits from a more robust main rotor gearbox that has 11-per-cent more horsepower capability. It has been certified to run without oil (run dry) for up to 30 minutes for improved safety, along with other evolutionary features.

In October, Bell Flight celebrated 85 years as a company, which was founded by Larry Bell in 1935.