Helikopter - Interessant evolusjon av Bell 212

Bell Nears Initial 412EPI Handover to Abu Dhabi Aviation

Abu Dhabi Aviation will take delivery of Bell Helicopter Textron’s new 412EPI either later this year or early next year, becoming the first operator to get the new, more powerful version of Bell’s “flying pick-up truck.”

The 412EPI is designed to provide a 15 percent increase in takeoff power on hot days, a major consideration in an area where temperatures can hover over the 100 degrees F range (38 degrees C). The twin Pratt & Whitney PT6T-9 engines are FADEC controlled, compared to the 412EP powered by the non-FADEC controlled PT6T-3DF engine. This gives it improved HOGE, CAT-A and PC-2e performance.




In announcing the order, Khaled Mashhour, commercial director for Abu Dhabi Aviation, noted that his company has been flying Bell helicopters for “more than 30 years,” and have accumulated more than 700,000 flight hours in 212 and 412 models. They currently operate 23 412s – not counting the new 412EPI – and 19 212s, along with 15 AgustaWestland AW139s