A Middle East customer ordered four Bell 429s for parapublic operations, adding to the fleet of 500 Bell 429s that includes 90 serving in law enforcement, firefighting, and parapublic missions. At Heli-Expo on Tuesday, Bell announced deliveries of three Subaru Bell 412EPXs and also the signing of a service facility agreement with Abu Dhabi Aviation.
The service agreement covers maintenance on Bell 212, 412, and Subaru Bell 412EPX models. Abu Dhabi Aviation will also work with Bell to support a regional demonstration tour with the 412EPX. The latest version of the helicopter boasts a maximum internal weight of 12,200 pounds, external weight of 13,000 pounds, and 5,000 pounds on a cargo hook.
In its law enforcement configuration, the Bell 429 can be fitted with a hoist, searchlight, rope kit, mission console, HD camera, and video downlink, according to Bell. The cabin can carry up to six passengers and two crewmembers, and the cage hook has a capacity of 3,000 pounds.
The 412EPX for the San Diego Sheriff’s Department joins an all-Bell fleet that includes four 407GXis and three 205s. The department plans to operate the 412EPX with Cal Fire to fight fires in the region.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department serves a 20,000-sq-mi area with a 17-aircraft fleet, and its 412EPXs will support law enforcement and emergency response assistance operations.