- 17 Oct 2022
- AvBuyer
- Engines - BizAv
Bell was introduced the 412 in 1981 as an improved version of the successful Bell 212 twin-turbine helicopter. The 412 has a new four-bladed rotor with elastometric bearings and without the normal hinges, which improves performance and substantially reduces noise and vibration. Otherwise, the 412 has the same high density seating for 13 plus two crew.
The Bell 412 costs between $1.5m for a 1981 model and $1.9m for a 1987 model, according to Aircraft Bluebook’s spring 2021 data. Buyers and sellers may negotiate prices that are above or below the model year’s average retail price, however. This can depend on multiple airplane-specific factors – including its maintenance condition, the time remaining on the engines and airframe before the next overhaul is due, damage history, the quality of its logbooks, and more.
Operators may wish to consider more modern upgrades of this versatile helicopter, such as the Bell 412EP or Bell 412EPI. Additionally, the Bell 212 continues to generate plenty of helicopter sales on the pre-owned turbine helicopter market.
The Bell 412’s high-density seating should hold appeal for corporate and VIP operators with the need to transport higher numbers of passengers, as should its improved performance, and reduced vibration and noise.
The Bell 412 EPI is the most modern version of the original Bell 412, with a higher range of 363nm. The 412 EPI is powered by Pratt & Whitney PT6T-9 Twin-Pac engines, which enable improved hot and high performance. This variant also offers a modern glass cockpit panel, with a Bell BasiX Pro Integrated Avionics System integrating a Garmin GTN-750 NAV/COM/WAAS GPS, a Helicopter Terrain Avoidance Warning System, and much more.
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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