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By
Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_412
- For an overview of the whole Huey family of aircraft see Bell Huey
The Bell 412 is a utility helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It is a further development of the Bell 212 model, the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.
Design and development
The development began in the late 1970s with two Bell 212 being converted into 412 prototypes. An advanced four blade main rotor with a smaller diameter replaced the 212's two blade rotor. A Bell 412 prototype first flew in August 1979. The initial model was certified in January 1981 with the deliveries commencing in the same month.
The 412 model was followed by the 412SP (Special Performance) version featuring larger fuel capacity, higher takeoff weight and more optional seating arrangement. In 1991, the 412HP (High Performance) variant with improved transmission replaced the SP version in production. The current production version, 412EP (Enhanced Performance), is equipped with a dual digital automatic flight control system.
Over 700 Model 412s (including 260 by AgustaWestland) have been built and in operation.
Variants
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RAC Rescue 1, a Bell 412EP. Sponsored by RAC WA and operated by FESA |
- Bell 412
- Utility transport helicopter.
- Bell 412EP
- Enhanced performance version.
- Bell 412HP
- High performance version.
- Bell 412SP
- Special performance version.
- Military 412
- Armed military version.
- CH-146 Griffon
- Utility transport helicopter for the Canadian Forces.
- Bell Griffin HT1
- Advanced training helicopter based on the Bell 412EP, operated by the RAF since 1997 as an advanced flying trainer. Operated by the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury and the Search and Rescue Training Unit at RAF Valley.
- Bell Griffin HAR2
- Search and Rescue helicopter based on the Bell 412EP, operated by 84 Squadron RAF since 2003 at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
- Agusta-Bell AB 412
- Civil utility transport version, built under license in Italy by Agusta.
- Agusta-Bell AB 412EP
- Italian-built version of the Bell 412EP.
- Agusta-Bell AB 412 Grifone
- Military utility transport version, built under licence in Italy by Agusta.
- Agusta-Bell AB 412 CRESO
- Italian-built version, fitted with a ground surveillance radar.
- NBell 412
- IPTN's licensed product of Bell 412
Operators
Military operators
Civilian and government operators
- Adelaide Bank Rescue Helicopter Service
- Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service
- Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia
- Lider Taxi Aereo, serving the Brazil offshore petroleum industry
- Brazilian Federal Police
- Government of Antioquia Department
- Police of the Czech Republic
- Finnish Border Guard has 5 AB 412s in service.
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
- GAIL
- Global Vectra Helicorp
- Atlantic Airways
- Japan Coast Guard
- Iranian helicopter service company (IHSC)
- Slovenian Police
- Department of Energy
- United States Park Police
- Delaware State Police
- Los Angeles City Fire Department
- Los Angeles County Fire Department
- New York Police Department
- Puerto Rico Police Department
- Miami-Dade County Fire Department
- Blackwater USA (private military and security company)
- Chicago Fire Department
Incidents and accidents
Specifications (412EP)
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Rotor head and transmission of a Bell 412. |
Data from International Directory of Civil Aircraft Bell 412EP Product Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 1-2 pilots
- Capacity: up to 13 passengers, maximum external load of 4,500 lb (2,040 kg)
- Length: 41 ft 9 in (12.7 m)
- Rotor diameter: 46 ft (14 m)
- Height: 15 ft (4.6 m)
- Disc area: 1,662 ft² (154.4 m²)
- Empty weight: 6,789 lb (3,079 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 11,900 lb (5,397 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3BE Twin-Pac turboshafts, 900 shp (671 kW) each
Performance
See also
Related development
Related lists
External links
Text from Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Published in July 2009.
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