Story ID: 433
Tunisia Signs for Subaru Bell 412EPX
By: David Donald
Caption: The latest 412 utility version gains its first African sale
Word Count: 149
A purchase agreement covering 12 Subaru Bell 412EPXs has been signed on behalf of the Tunisian Air Force, which is expanding a rotary-wing fleet that already includes 39 Bell helicopters. The sale to Tunisia is the first for the 412EPX in Africa. Meanwhile, the Tunisian National Guard has recently begun operating the Bell 429.
Subaru (formerly Fuji) built earlier Bell helicopters under license for the Japan Self-Defence Forces, and it co-developed the 412EPX version of the 412EPI to answer the Japanese army’s requirement for a new utility transport. The helicopter will be delivered to the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force with the local designation UH-2.
The Bell 412 has proven popular with parapublic operators, which together with military air arms comprise 54% of the global fleet. Recent customers include the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue, and the interior ministries of Croatia and the Sarajevo Canton.