Bell 412
| Bell 412 at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Role | Multipurpose utility helicopter |
| Country of Origin | |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter |
| Status | In Production |
| Number Built | Over 869 |
| Unit Cost | 9.000.000v$ |
| File:Airplanes-Bell 412.jpg | |
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
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
Specifications
| Bell 412EP | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Maximum speed | 140 knots (161 mph, 259 km/h) |
| Cruise speed | 12,496 m (41,000 ft) |
| Range | 402 nmi (463 mi, 745 km) |
| Service ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,350 ft/min (6.86 m/s) |
| Power/mass | 0.2663 hp/lb (0.437 W/kg) |