Japanese Coast Guard to acquire Subaru Bell 412EPX
The Japanese Coast Guard has awarded a contract to the Subaru Corporation for the supply of a Subaru Bell 412EPX, due for delivery in 2025
The aircraft will be used by the Coast Guard to operate maritime security, search and rescue (SAR), and disaster response operations, as well as general transportation.
The 412EPX will complement the Coast Guard’s existing Bell412EP fleets, enabling an easy introduction for both flight crews and maintenance teams, while offering ‘better operational capability and efficiency with improved performance, such as extended hover ceiling and increased useful load’, according to Subaru.
The Bell 412 EPX is powered by twin 1,120shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-9 engines, and has a maximum take-off weight of 5,530kg internally, and almost 5,900kg with an external load. The aircraft is also equipped with Bell’s BasiX Pro avionics suite.
The 412EPX is a popular aircraft for SAR, law enforcement and emergency operations. Recent purchasers include two local authorities in California: the city of San Diego, which will use their helicopter for firefighting operations, and Ventura County, which will employ a 412EPX for SAR and law enforcement operations.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.