Country of origin:

United States of America

Description:

Utility transport helicopter

Power Plant:

One 1,343 kw (1,800 shp) (de-rated to 976 kw – 1,308 shp) Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3B-1 turbo twin-pack turboshaft

Specifications:

History:

The prototype of the Model 412 series was flown for the first time in August 1979, being an updated and refined development of the Model 212, having a new-design four-blade rotor in lieu of the two-blade unit, a shorter rotor mast assembly, and a more powerful engine and transmission system designed to provide twice the lift of the Model 212 unit. The rotor blades were of composite construction and the rotor head contained elastomeric bearings and dampers to simplify moving parts.

Deliveries to customers began in February 1981, and licence production commenced in Italy with Agusta. The latter company supplied Bell 412s to a number of military forces, and these became known as the AB412 Griffon. Development led to the Model 412SP (SP for Special Purpose), this having increased fuel capacity, a higher take-off weight and an altered seating arrangement. In 1991 the Model 412SP superceded the Model 412 on the production line, this model becoming more popular due to its improved transmission, which provided a better hovering performance. This model has been built under licence in Indonesia by Industri Pasawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN), these being known as the NBell 412SP.

The next model developed was the 412EP (EP for Enhanced Performance). This featured the Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3D turbo twin-pack engine and had a new dual digital automatic flight control system and EFIS displays if required.  A fixed tricycle undercarriage was offered as an option. More than 400 examples of the series have been delivered and it remained in production at the Bell facility in Canada, production having been transferred in February 1989. Seating is provided for 15 persons, including one or two pilots, and maximum external load on a sled was 2,040 kg (4,500 lb).

In this area it has been operated by Esso-BP at Longford, VIC, and Lloyds Helicopters for offshore oil-rig work. Aircraft registered to Esso have included VH-EEH (c/n 33116) and VH-EEP (c/n 33117). Machines registered to Lloyds have included VH-BZH (c/n 33044), VH-EWA (c/n 36312), VH-NSC (c/n 33029), VH-NSP (c/n 33091), VH-NSV (c/n 33084), and VH-UAH (c/n 33034).

Model 412EPs VH-VAA (c/n 36274) and VH-VAB (c/n 36275) have been operated by CHC Helicopters (Australia) and have been based at Bendigo and Sale, VIC on the Victorian Ambulance Contract. Model 412HPs VH-ESA (c/n 36022) and VH-ESB (c/n 36087) have been operated by the Queensland Department of Emergency Services.

Other operators have included CareFlight Queensland VH-XCF (c/n 33019); Reef Helicopter Model 412EP VH-RHJ (c/n 36236); Hunter Rescue Service Model 412SP VH-HRS (c/n 33118 – Angel II); and the Queensland Department of Emergency Services VH-ESA (c/n 36022), VH-ESB (c/n 36087) and VH-ESD (c/n 36026).

A couple was used by the now defunct National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA) VH-NSB (c/n 33074), VH-NSC (c/n 33029) and VH-NSI (c/n 33058). VH-NSC had a further interesting life. After the collapse of the National Safety Council in 1989 it was acquired by Lloyd Helicopters and was operated for the Snowy-Hydro South Care Rescue Service, becoming VH-CRQ with Commercial Helicopters of Bankstown, NSW. Subsequently it was fitted with a 1,400 litre (308 Imp gal) belly tank for fire-fighting.

On 1 July 2014 a Bell 412EP was registered to the NSW Police Force Aviation Support Branch to replace an MBK 117, this aircraft becoming VH-PHZ (c/n 36614)

Examples registered in New Zealand have included ZK-HDA (c/n 33066) exported to Canada; ZK-HNI (c/n 33204) with Helicopter (NZ) Ltd; ZK-HDY (c/n 36099), a Model 412EP; ZK-HRX (c/n 36008), a Model 412SP; and ZK-IKA (c/n 36055), a Model 412HP, the latter two operated by Oceania Aviation  of Papakura.