When You Get Lost Between the Moon and New York City …

Bell-Textron—the Fort-Worth-based helicopter titan—has announced the signing of a purchase agreement that will see two Subaru-Bell 412EPX helicopters delivered to the New York City Police Department Aviation Unit. The Subaru-Bell 412EPX is an iteration of the Bell 412, a utility helicopter of the famed Huey family, built in Japan by the Subaru transportation conglomerate. The two aircraft will be the eighth and ninth Bell products to join the NYPD rotorcraft fleet and will be configured for Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.

Bell managing director Lane Evans said of the deal: “The NYPD is one of the most notable law enforcement agencies in the world, and Bell is proud the Aviation Unit has selected the Subaru Bell 412EPX and continues to put its trust in Bell. In addition to being highly equipped with the latest technology and avionics, the Subaru Bell 412EPX will deliver new capabilities and readiness for critical missions.”

NYPD Deputy Inspector Louis Soviero, commanding officer of the Aviation Unit remarked: “The New York City Police Department is exceptionally pleased to add these high-quality aircraft to our fleet. As one of the first airborne law enforcement divisions in the world, the NYPD’s Aviation Unit performs air/sea search-and-rescue missions, tactical support, port security, counterterror operations, patrol functions, and more. This critical work deeply depends on the performance and reliability of our aircraft—and the NYPD is fully confident that today’s additions will improve our fleet and enhance our public-safety mission.”

Bell and NYPD share a long history dating back to 1948 when a Bell 47, the first Bell helicopter to be used as part of an airborne law enforcement team, joined the NYPD Aviation Unit. The NYPD currently operate two Bell 412EPs, a Bell 407, and four Bell 429s in service for a variety of missions, ranging from search and rescue at sea to gathering intelligence. NYPD’s Aviation Unit also operates a Cessna 208EX Caravan

Certified in 2018, the Subaru Bell 412EPX features a maximum internal weight of 12,200-pounds, a maximum external weight of 13,000-pounds, and a 5,000-pounds cargo-hook capacity. The platform facilitates large cargo and personnel transportation with a useful internal load of 5,385-pounds (standard, IFR configuration).  

The Subaru Bell 412EPX sports a robust main rotor gearbox with run-dry capability and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots. Such features allow operators to transport heavier loads more safely and perform demanding missions more efficiently

FMI: www.aerospace.subaru.co.jp