Engine And Glass Cockpit Upgrades For The "Workhorse Of Its
Class"
Bell Helicopter said Wednesday it plan to extend the capability
and performance of the Bell 412EP helicopter, which will be
available in 2012. An STC project that will extend the range of
missions that can be performed by the 412EP is currently underway,
which consists primarily of an engine and cockpit upgrade and will
be available in 3-axis and 4-axis options.
Bell 412EP
"Upgrading the capabilities of the 412EP is part of Bell
Helicopter's overall focus to revitalize the products and support
we provide to our commercial customers. It is one more example of
our commitment to providing the mission solutions needed by our
customers," said Larry Roberts, Senior Vice President, Commercial
Business for Bell Helicopter. "The Bell 412EP is the most versatile
and reliable aircraft in its class - appropriately known as the
'workhorse of its class'. The 412EP's increase engine power and a
modern avionics suite will accommodate a wide range of mission
applications. Our customers told us what they need and we are
delivering," said Roberts. The engine upgrade, in partnership with
Pratt & Whitney Inc., provides a 15% engine SHP increase,
improved OEI and Hot/High performance and introduction of
Electronic Engine Control. The upgrade will yield a 10-12% increase
in CAT A/PC1 & PC2 performance, increased hot/high capability
and provides a path for a future upgrade for increased range and
payload.
The cockpit upgrade will provide a modern 'Glass Cockpit' -
utilizing display units common to the Bell 429. Bell says this will
provide commonality in the cockpits of Bell's light twin and medium
twin aircraft, simplifying pilot familiarity and maintenance
training. "Leveraging features of the highly successful Bell 429
makes sense as we work to bring improved technology and
capabilities as well as increased value to our commercial
customers," said Roberts.
Other upgrades planned for the 412EP platform include a Tail
Rotor Upgrade that eliminates the need for pre-flight visual
inspection and a Communication System Upgrade that will be
compatible with civil standard headsets, eliminating the need for
military-style, low-impedance microphones and earpieces.
BLR Fast Fin File Photo
The first Block Upgrade to the 412EP is available now and
consists of the BLR FastFin System. This is a cost effective
performance enhancing modification for single rotor helicopters and
when installed on the Bell 412EP, it will increase altitude
performance providing more tail rotor effectiveness resulting in
enhanced low speed and hover controllability. The BLR FastFin
System increases HOGE and HIGE performance limits and expands the
lifting capacity of the 412EP, providing more tail rotor reserve
authority, improving hover stability, high/hot performance,
crosswind capabilities, and payload, while reducing pilot workload
and lowering operating costs through fuel savings.
The STC for the FastFin System installation on the Bell 412EP
was received earlier this year. The system was certified by the FAA
through Bell Helicopter's Organization Designation Authorization
and has been validated by Transport Canada. The STC includes a
Flight Manual Supplement that allows operators to take credit for
the resulting performance improvements. Foreign validation in other
jurisdictions will be in place early in 2011.