Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has announced the signed purchase agreement by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for a Subaru Bell 412EPX. The Emergency Operations Division will utilize the Subaru Bell 412EPX for critical missions in San Bernadino as well as provide mutual aid assistance to neighboring counties in Southern California.
“This will be the fourth Bell aircraft operated by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department,” said Lane Evans, managing director, North America. “The Subaru Bell 412EPX is the most technologically advanced and capable variant of the renowned Bell 412 platform, and it will be pivotal to providing emergency response to a heavily populated and challenging environment.”
Founded in 1972, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit began its operations with two Bell 47G helicopters. In additional to general law enforcement support, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit also aids in personnel/cargo transport, airborne photography, search and rescue operations, wildland fire suppression and emergency medical transport services.
“As the lead aerial law enforcement agency for San Bernardino County, it’s critical to have the most reliable aircraft,” Daniel Futscher, Lieutenant, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Operations Division. “The topography and vastness of San Bernardino and the neighboring counties we serve can be a challenge, and we are eager to utilize the Subaru Bell 412EPX to combat those challenges.”
Certified in 2018, the Subaru Bell 412EPX, possesses an increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs. and ability to carry up to 5,000 lbs. of goods with the cargo hook.
The Subaru Bell 412EPX benefits from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots; providing operators the ability to transport more supplies and perform operations more efficiently.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Bell Textron Inc.
