4 février 2026 Sécurité publique • Recherche et sauvetage • Subaru Bell 412EPX

La Subaru Bell 412EPX - La tradition de la fiabilité et de la performance

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    En matière d’hélicoptères alliant tradition et polyvalence, le Subaru Bell 412EPX est unique en son genre. Whether you're fighting fires, conducting search-and-rescue operations, or transporting personnel, the Subaru Bell 412EPX is designed to meet the demands of modern missions with unmatched reliability and efficiency.


    A Legacy of Excellence

    The Subaru Bell 412EPX carries forward the proud heritage of the Bell medium helicopter family, which has delivered over 13,000 aircraft and accumulated more than 29 million flight hours. The 412 family, first certified in 1981, has been a cornerstone of this legacy, with over 1,350 aircraft delivered and 7+ million fleet hours logged. The Subaru Bell 412EPX represents the latest evolution of this iconic platform.


    Bell and Subaru have collaborated on helicopter programs since the 1960s, jointly manufacturing and supporting hundreds of helicopters. This partnership has brought innovative engineering techniques to the Subaru Bell 412EPX, ensuring it remains at the forefront of performance and reliability for decades to come.


    Next-Generation Avionics

    Step inside the cockpit of the Subaru Bell 412EPX, and you'll find a modern glass cockpit that replaces traditional gauges with intuitive digital displays. The aircraft features two Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) and two Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), consolidating critical flight and system information into a single, easy-to-read interface. With intuitive color coding-green for good, yellow for caution, and red for critical-the avionics system reduces pilot workload and enhances situational awareness.


    The Subaru Bell 412EPX also boasts the second-generation Bell Basix Pro avionics system, shared with the Bell 429. This system includes advanced features like system schematics, weight and balance calculations, and programmable checklists for efficient flight preparation. Dual Nav/Com/GPS systems (GTN 750Xi and GTN 650Xi) enable seamless flight planning, with optional Bluetooth integration for off-aircraft planning uploads. Add in a 3-axis autopilot (with an optional 4-axis autopilot for fully coupled approaches) and enhanced hover modes, and you have a helicopter that's as capable as it is user-friendly.


    Performance Upgrades That Matter

    At the heart of the Subaru Bell 412EPX is the Pratt & Whitney PT6T-9 engine, paired with an all-new transmission that delivers significant performance improvements. Compared to its predecessor, the PT6T-3, the new engine offers approximately 15% more hover performance in hot and high conditions, dual-channel FADEC, and increased efficiency—all at the same fuel burn rate. The transmission allows for 11% more SHP at takeoff, enabling better hot/high performance and extended operational capabilities.


    These upgrades translate into operational benefits:

    • Increased Weight Limits: 12,200 lbs/5,534 kg maximum gross weight internally, 13,000 lbs/5,897 kg externally, and 5,000 lbs/2,268 kg cargo hook capacity.
    • Improved Payload: 300 lbs/136 kg more internal payload, 1,100 lbs/499 kg more external payload, and 500 lbs/227 kg more on the hook compared to the previous EPI model.
    • Hot/High Performance: Hover out of ground effect (HOGE) at maximum gross weight is now possible at 6,700 ft/2,042 m, compared to 5,200 ft/1,585 m in the EPI model.
    • Enhanced Reliability: The transmission is certified for 30 minutes of run-dry capability, doubling the previous limit.


    Fly Higher and Hotter Than Ever Before
    Hover Performance Out of Ground Effect (ISA)

    Chart showing 412EPX hover performance of 8200 ft

    QUALITY FEATURES / UNMATCHED BENEFITS

    15%
    INCREASED HOT/HIGH PERFORMANCE

    11% increased mast torque allows for take-offs even in the most extreme conditions

    5 000
    LBS OF EXTERNAL LOAD

    13,000 lbs external MGW allows for expanded payload operations, such as carrying more water on site for firefighting

    96%
    AVAILABILITY RATE*

    The SB412EPX is ready when you are, with less downtime for maintenance

    10°
    SLOPE LIMIT

    A high skid-gear with increased slope landing limits allow you to land in the most rugged conditions

    1 950
    LBS OF INCREASED CAT-A CAPABILITY AT ISA+20

    Ensure a safe takeoff and landing now with even more payload

    >50
    YEARS OF TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS

    The SB412EPX was certified in 2018 providing 21st century technology while building on years of heritage

    *Availability rate statement as provided in source infographic.

    Mission Versatility

    The Subaru Bell 412EPX is designed to adapt to a wide range of missions, thanks to its spacious and configurable cabin, robust performance, and advanced technology. With the widest cabin door in its class (7.7 ft/2.35 m), loading and unloading stretchers, equipment, or personnel is quick and efficient-even from both sides simultaneously. The cabin offers 220 cubic feet/6.23 cubic meters of space, configurable for up to 14 passenger seats or specialized mission equipment.


    Whether you're conducting firefighting operations, transporting VIPs, or performing search-and-rescue missions, the Subaru Bell 412EPX delivers. Its improved weight limits and hot/high performance allow operators to carry more equipment and leave nothing behind. For firefighting missions, the aircraft can carry more water on station compared to its predecessor, ensuring greater effectiveness in critical situations.


    Typical Subaru Bell 412EPX Firefighting Mission
    Mission Assumptions

    CONDITIONS

    Conditions icon
    ISA +20°C
    3 000 ft

    CREW

    Pilots
    Pilot icon Pilot icon
    2 × 85 kg
    Firefighters
    Firefighter icon Firefighter icon
    12 × 100 kg

    EQUIPMENT

    Bambi Bucket
    BB4453
    Capacity: 2,000 liters
    Weight: 85 kg
    DART External Cargo Basket
    Capacity: 136 kg
    Weight: 54 kg

    MISSION SEQUENCE

    Firefighter Transport
    Step 1:
    • Takeoff from Aviation Base
    • 21 NM cruise at VLRC
    • Land at Fire Operations Base
    • Unload firefighter squad with cargo equipment
    Fire Attack
    Step 2:
    • Install Bambi Bucket equipment
    • Take off from Fire Operations Base
    • 90 minutes of firefighting operations
      • Water reservoir located 2.6 NM from fire
      • 1-minute AEO TOP HOGE per water fill
    Firefighter Transport
    Step 3:
    • Land at Fire Operations Base
    • Load firefighter squad with cargo equipment
    • Take off from Fire Operations Base
    • 21 NM cruise at VLRC
    • Land at Aviation Base
    Water icon
    ~29,335 liters
    Total water released on fire
    Time icon
    90 minutes
    of fire attack performed
    Firefighter icon
    12 Firefighters
    (+2 pilots) transported

    Built to Last

    The Subaru Bell 412EPX isn't just a high-performance helicopter-it's a long-term investment. With a customer-reported high availability rate and maintenance requirements of just 1.33 man-hours per flight hour (compared to an average of 3.45 for medium twin aircraft), the Subaru Bell 412EPX is easy to maintain and ready when you need it. When paired with Bell's industry-leading Global Customer Solutions and support (see more at Bell.co/GCS), operators can rely on the Subaru Bell 412EPX for decades to come.


    Why Choose the Subaru Bell 412EPX?

    • Rugged and Reliable: Built for big jobs in tough environments, the Subaru Bell 412EPX combines durability with advanced technology.
    • Award-Winning Support: Bell’s customer service is recognized as the best in the industry (learn more here: bell.co/GCS).
    • Mission-Ready: From firefighting to SAR, the Subaru Bell 412EPX is versatile enough to handle any challenge.
    • Smooth Ride: A robust drive system and vibration damping ensure comfort and stability.
    • Long-Term Commitment: With Subaru’s partnership, operators can count on reliable support for years to come.


    The Subaru Bell 412EPX is more than just a helicopter-it's a legacy of reliability, a testament to engineering excellence, and a trusted partner for critical missions. Whether you're saving lives, protecting property, or tackling the toughest challenges, the Subaru Bell 412EPX is ready to deliver.


    Ready to elevate your mission capabilities? Learn more about the Subaru Bell 412EPX here and watch our exclusive walkaround video below.



     

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