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The “Bell 412” aircraft is a multi-use helicopter from the “Howe” family manufactured by the American company “Bell Helicopters” based in Texas. It is an upgraded version of the “Bell 212” helicopter, and the main difference between them is the four-blade main engine.
The helicopter operates with two turbine engines, and is very popular in the civilian and military markets, and its main users include Canada, Italy and Japan.
Several hundred copies of this helicopter have been produced since its debut in 1979, and many different updates and versions have been produced, including those equipped with improved cockpit electronics.
The aircraft is manufactured in Italy under a license from the American company under the name August-Bell AB412 and manufactured by Subaru in Indonesia and Japan. As for the Canadian Bell 412 helicopters, they are produced there, where the Bell Textron factory is located.
It is not known what model of plane Raisi was traveling in, but in its most popular versions it can accommodate 14 passengers in addition to the pilot, has a speed of 225 kilometers per hour, and can fly a distance of 660 kilometers.
The plane is used for several tasks, including air ambulance and medical emergencies, transporting troops, firefighting, and use on oil extraction platforms, among other purposes, and it is characterized by a spacious cabin.
Design and development
Development of the helicopter began in the late 1970s with the conversion of two Bell 212 helicopters into two 412 prototypes. The advanced two-bladed main rotor of the 212 was replaced with a four-bladed, smaller diameter composite main rotor.
The initial version of the Bell 412 first flew in August 1979. The prototype received certification in January 1981, and deliveries began that same month.
The 412 model was followed by a special high-performance version (412SP), which was distinguished by a larger fuel capacity, a higher take-off weight, and multiple seating options.
In 1991, a 412HP (High Performance) model with an improved transmission replaced the SP version in production.
In the early 2000s, Bell submitted the Bell 412EP as a competitor in the US Army’s light helicopter program, competing against several other light helicopters for an order.
Current version and updates
The current version of the helicopter, the 412EP, comes with a digital flight control system, and in 2013, Bell introduced the 412EPI, which includes an electronic engine control system to upgrade the PT6T-9 engine and a glass cockpit display system similar to the Bell 429.
It also features Garmin Touchscreen Navigation (an integrated electronic cockpit control system), as well as BLR Strake and Fast Fin upgrades to improve flight performance.
The helicopter is powered by engines from Pratt and Whitney Canada, and the helicopter contains two turbine engines. If one of the two motors is turned off, one motor can provide emergency power for 30 minutes.
The medically equipped version of the helicopter can accommodate 6 sick or wounded people and two companions, or two medical stretchers and up to four companions.
By 2022, more than 1,300 Bell412 aircraft have been delivered.
AP/Tehrangeles
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