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)