Bell Helicopter [TXT] completed the final delivery of eight Bell 412EP helicopters to the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) at a ceremony at Villamor Air Base, the company said today.
The helicopters were purchased with government-to-government contracting support of the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and meet the DND’s modernization requirements, the company said.
Photo: Bell Helicopter
The Philippine government intends to use the 412EPs for combat utility, CIP transport operations, and relief efforts, Bell said.
The Bell 412 contains “the most rugged medium twin-engine helicopter available, with the best readiness rate of any helicopter in its class,” the company said. It has a dual digital automatic flight control system with available IFR option and Category A/JAR OPS 3 capability for greater control and improved situational awareness.
“We are proud to deliver the final of eight Bell 412EP aircraft today–three months ahead of schedule and, as promised, in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November,” Sameer Rehman, managing director of Bell Helicopter for Asia Pacific, said in a statement
“We are pleased to receive the last of these remarkable aircraft and continue our long-standing relationship with the Bell Helicopter team. We look forward to employing the versatility and improved performance of the Bell 412EP,” Fernando Manalo, Undersecretary from the Philippine DND, added.
The helicopter has a cruise speed of 122 knots, a range of 357 nautical miles, and a cabin that can accommodate up to 13 passengers and two crew members.
“Today we also honor the strong defense collaboration between Canada and the Philippines, and the longstanding cooperation between the CCC and Bell Helicopter to provide cost-effective government-to-government contracting solutions for advanced aerospace products,” James Mott, contracts manager for the CCC, said.
Delivery of the 412EP began in June.