Bell 412 Turbine Helicopters for Sale

Bell 412 Turbine Helicopter Overview

By Gerrard Cowan - Editor, Aircraft Reviews

Introduced in the early 1980s as an improved version of the Bell 212, the Bell 412 remains in production in its modern variant today, having carved out a strong position in the market for high-capacity twin-turbine helicopters.

The Bell 412 was launched in 1981, with almost 900 models produced in the intervening decades across its various iterations. Specifically, 152 of those models were Bell 412s (according to JETNET data).

The aircraft appeals to VIP and corporate customers who require the ability to transport relatively large groups, and it offers capacity for 13 passengers and two crew members.

What features does the Bell 412 offer?

When compared to its predecessor, the Bell 212, the Bell 412 introduced a new, four-bladed rotor with elastometric bearings and without the normal hinges. This helped improve performance and significantly cut back on noise and vibration; a benefit that will appeal to many VIP and corporate users.

The Bell 412 is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3B engines, and has a range of about 310nm.

What came before and after the Bell 412?

The Bell 412 is an improved version of the Bell 212, which carved out particular appeal in the energy sector, and was produced for 30 years between 1968 and 1998. The 212 used essentially the same airframe as the Bell 204, and was fitted with a Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3 Twin-Pac engine.

The 412 remains in production today, with the modern variant being the Bell 412 EPI (more details below). Bell has also worked with Subaru to produce the Subaru Bell 412 EPX, a civilian version of a military aircraft that the two companies collaborated on. Bell notes this latest aircraft’s spacious cabin, and its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200lbs.

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