Airbus and Bristow Group announce framework contract for up to 15 H135 helicopters.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Anaheim, 28 February 2024

Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group announced a framework contract for up to fifteen H135 helicopters (five firm orders, plus 10 options) during this year’s HAI Heli-Expo. The delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for October 2024.

“I’d like to thank the Bristow Group for their renewed trust in our helicopters. Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group share a long history, and I am very proud to open a new chapter in our partnership”, said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H135 has proven it’s perfect for offshore missions with customers all over the world, especially thanks to Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite, which reduces pilot workload and increases safety.”

“Our longstanding relationship with Airbus, coupled with our extensive experience operating the H135 since 2006, underscores the helicopter’s exceptional performance and reliability,” said Stu Stavley, Chief Operating Officer, Offshore Energy Services for Bristow Group. “The H135 has proven itself to be a very capable helicopter, both for missions offshore and overland.”

Bristow Group Inc. is a leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions. Bristow primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Bristow’s aviation services include personnel transportation, SAR, medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems, and ad hoc helicopter services. Bristow already operates a fleet of 10 H135 family helicopters.

The light twin Airbus H135 incorporates the most advanced technologies available, including Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite, which, in addition to the 4-axis autopilot, offers an innovative cockpit layout to enhance situational awareness. Designed with three large electronic displays on the H135, the cockpit is night vision goggle compatible and includes a First Limit Indicator which highlights the appropriate engine instrument data for the pilot in one indicator.

To date, more than 1,500 helicopters of the H135 family have been delivered worldwide, clocking in more than 7 million flight hours.

LEONARDO and THC announce substantial helicopter fleet expansion plan in KSA.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
Posted in: HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, HEMS / SAR, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome,  28 February 2024 09:30

  • Contract for 20 AW139s plus multiyear Framework Agreement for over 130 helicopters of various types.  
  • THC will significantly strengthen EMS/SAR and passenger transport missions in the country.  

Leonardo and THC (The Helicopter Company), owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced yesterday a substantial growth of their collaboration with an order for 20 AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters and a multi-year Framework Agreement for over 130 aircraft. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held at Heli-Expo 2024 in Anaheim, CA. 

The contract for 20 AW139s aims at primarily strengthening the emergency medical service (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR) fleet in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with deliveries expected to be carried out in 2025 and 2026. The Framework Agreement for over 130 aircraft includes a mix of AW109s, AW169s, AW139s and AW189Ks for various applications, with a first batch of orders foreseen by the first half of this year and delivery positions to THC over five to seven years. 

The intention to procure these latest 20 AW139s was announced at Heli-Expo 2023. By the time all these latest firmly ordered AW139s are delivered, THC will have a total fleet of approximately 50 AW139s carrying out a range of missions including EMS, SAR and corporate transport in the country, making THC one of the largest AW139 operators globally.  

“We’re proud of this THC’s massive helicopter fleet expansion plan leveraging our technology,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “Our state-of-the-art platforms will support their service capability growth program with key life-saving and transport missions for the communities they serve.” 

The AW139, the world’s most important helicopter program since its certification in 2004 and the bestselling type in its category, has logged orders for more than 1400 units from over 290 customers in over 90 countries to date. The fleet of over 1200 units in service has now exceeded 4 million flight hours. The type has proven extremely successful in the Middle East with almost 200 units sold across the region for the widest scope of missions including corporate transport, emergency medical service, search and rescue, law enforcement, offshore transport, government duties. The AW139 delivers outstanding capabilities, technology and safety to meet stringent requirements from operators for tasks in harsh conditions to maximize effectiveness. 

The type features state-of-the-art avionics with advanced navigation and collision avoidance systems to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilots’ workload, unmatched speed, power margins, and overall performance. In addition, this type includes the widest cabin in its category featuring high modularity for rapid reconfiguration, a unique 60+ min run-dry capable main gear box for enhanced reliability and safety and up to 1000 certified kits. 

The addition of the AW169 and AW189K to the THC’s fleet in the future will allow the operator to benefit from the unique advantages of the AW Family concept based on shared design, components, support and training approach with unprecedented fleet management efficiency and versatility.  

THC signs historic framework agreement for up to 120 Airbus helicoptersExpands fleet with a firm order for eight H125s and ten H145s.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
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PRESS RELEASE – Anaheim, 27 February 2024

The Helicopter Company (THC), Saudi Arabia’s premier provider of commercial helicopter services and fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, has signed a historic framework agreement with Airbus at the HAI Heli-Expo, currently taking place at Anaheim Convention Center, California.

The framework agreement will include up to 120 Airbus helicopters of various types set to be delivered over the next five to seven years. Part of the deal is a firm order for eight H125s along with 10 H145s that are converted options from an earlier contract, bringing THC’s total firm Airbus helicopter fleet to 60, 25 of which are already in service today.

The new H125 helicopters will support the delivery of THC’s range of services in areas including aerial work and tourism. The H145s will be used in a variety of roles including Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and corporate transport.

“Our relationship with THC started in 2020 with the first contract for 10 H125s. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength, moving beyond just helicopters to also look at how we can help pave the way for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the region. This latest framework agreement reinforces the scope of our offering and we thank THC for allowing us to help expand their helicopter activity,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.

The CEO of THC, Capt Arnaud Martinez, said, “We are delighted to announce our framework agreement with Airbus, a transformative moment in our growth journey which solidifies our position as a global player as well as regional leader. The agreement will enable us to both contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals through strengthening Saudi’s aviation sector whilst also meeting the changing needs of our growing customer base, both locally and globally. Our collaboration with Airbus will reshape the aviation landscape as together, we will push the boundaries of innovation and showcase that with the right partner, everything is possible in aviation.”

The Helicopter Company is at the forefront of developing commercial helicopter services in the Kingdom, having introduced the H145 into service for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and deployed both the H145 and H125 in support of the Dakar Rally. Last year the company took delivery of its first ACH160 for Red Sea Global tourism operations.

The worldwide best-selling H125 has accumulated more than 40 million flight hours with more than 5,350 helicopters currently in operation. The model, known for its robustness, versatility, hot and high performance, and is widely used in highly demanding missions.

Airbus’ H145 is designed to deliver excellent performance throughout the flight envelope, and is the latest member of the company’s four-tonne-class twin-engine rotorcraft product range – with designed-in mission capability and flexibility, especially in high and hot operating conditions. There are more than 1,675 helicopters of this family in service, logging a total of more than 7.6 million flight hours. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.

THC was established as part of Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s strategy to activate new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realisation of Vision 2030 by creating an entire new ecosystem for general aviation services and introducing safe and efficient transport services across the kingdom. THC is the Kingdom’s premier commercial helicopter operator and has been operating since mid-2019. THC currently has 47 aircraft that serve diverse segments, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), aerial work, private charters and tourism in the Kingdom. To learn more about their services and commitment to building the aviation ecosystem in the region and beyond, visit THC’s stand #7405 in the Anaheim Convention Center.

DRF Luftrettung orders up to 10 additional H145s.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
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PRESS RELEASE – Anaheim, 27 February 2024

German helicopter emergency medical services operator DRF Luftrettung and Airbus Helicopters have announced orders for up to ten H145 helicopters (seven firm orders, three options).

“It is the mission of DRF Luftrettung to continuously improve medical care for people in need. With the new order of ten additional H145s, we continue to ensure the optimal service for our patients by keeping the helicopter fleet as modern and flexible as possible for our life-saving missions,” said Dr. Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung.

“As an operator that deploys its fleet for emergency medical services, the DRF Luftrettung truly understands the importance that a helicopter’s performance can have in making a decisive difference in the care a patient receives. We are therefore very grateful for the continued trust that they place in our helicopters,” said Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters. “We are proud to see that over the last decade the H145 has become the backbone of DRF Luftrettung’s fleet performing life-saving missions in Germany and Europe.”

The ordered helicopters will also be covered by DRF’s fleet-wide HCare Smart contract, which provides comprehensive parts-by-the-hour support.

DRF Luftrettung is one of the largest and most experienced air rescue organisations in Europe. The organisation and its subsidiaries operate more than 50 Airbus H135 and H145 helicopters at 40 bases throughout Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland for emergency rescue and intensive care transport operations. In addition to this, they are also deployed for  special missions, including hoist operations and day and night operations.

The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, improving the serviceability benchmark and reliability of the H145, while improving flight comfort for both passengers and crew.

In total, there are more than 1,675 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of more than 7.6 million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst its competitors.

LEONARDO and SLOANE strenghen partnership in the UK and Ireland commercial helicopter market with AW09 and AW109 types deals.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
Posted in: HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , .
  • The AW09 helicopter’s global market success extends to UK and Ireland with preliminary sales contracts for nine units by Sloane
  • Two AW109 GrandNew + two Trekker order confirms Leonardo’s leading position in the VIP/Corporate and light twin market segments in the region

PRESS RELEASE – Rome,  28 February 2024

Leonardo and Sloane announced at Heli-Expo 2024 a major reinforcement of their collaboration in the UK and Ireland commercial helicopter market with the signing of Preliminary Sales Contracts for nine AW09 next-generation single engine aircraft, and new orders for two AW109 Grand New and two AW109 Trekker light twins. 

The Preliminary Sales Contracts for the AW09 add Sloane to the number of global partners who have chosen the all-new type. Sloane joins the consensus around the AW09 programme and market potential and, as established European distributors of Leonardo helicopters, are intending to extend their collaboration and distributorship mandates to include the AW09 in the continent. With this latest achievement, the AW09 world market success extends to UK and Ireland following announcements of partnerships and distribution agreements already made in North and Latin America, Africa and Asia in 2023, some leading to end-user orders. The total number of Preliminary Sales Contracts will soon exceed 100 units globally. 

David George, Chairman of Sloane, said “On the back of record AW109 deliveries we are excited to embark on the next step of our journey with Leonardo with the AW09, an all-new airframe which represents a technological leap forward in the single turbine market. I was present at the AW09’s initial ground runs some 10 years ago, and look forward to introducing the UK and Ireland market to its class leading characteristics. We are confident it will become the benchmark aircraft in its category, along with our current Leonardo offerings.”

The AW09 continues to generate a very positive response from all geographies worldwide as the programme development progresses. Rotorcraft companies highly welcome the AW09 for its outstanding characteristics and multirole capabilities that represent a significant evolution compared to existing products in this category. The AW09 perfectly complements Leonardo’s product range in the Long Light Single-segment, introducing an all-new design aircraft to sustain long-term competitive positioning in this weight category. A full-scale mock-up of the cabin, together with the advanced connectivity and digital features of the type, is on display at the Leonardo booth at Heli-Expo, attracting lots of interest within the rotorcraft community thanks to its distinguished features in cabin space and ergonomics, and external footprint. 

The AW109 series continue to be highly popular in Sloane’s reference markets particularly for VIP/Corporate transport. As the Leonardo’s regional distributor, Sloane has taken delivery of a total 14 AW109s in the 2022-2023 period and plans to receive six more this year. Under the latest order for four new AW109s, deliveries are expected to be performed in 2025 and 2026.  

In July 2022, Sloane confirmed its Distributor Agreement for the 2022-2024 timeframe, covering both types and the AW169 light intermediate twin model. The long-term success between Sloane Helicopters and Leonardo was established in 1995, when Sloane became the sole distributor of Leonardo VIP/corporate helicopter in the UK and Ireland. Under this collaboration, over 110 Leonardo commercial helicopters have been delivered to operators and private users in the UK and Ireland. The Distributorship Agreement has provided customers with continued benefits by dramatically reducing delivery times and providing customers with product expertise and a full range of support packages, which also helps Leonardo to maintain its position as leader in the executive/private transport market in the UK and Ireland, among other applications. This has been further reinforced following the launch of the new Agusta VIP brand in late 2021 with its exclusive features and all-new service offer. Sloane Helicopters is also an Authorised Service Centre, providing maintenance and support services for the majority of GrandNew and all AW169 VIP helicopters in the region. Additionally, Sloane is a Type Rating Training centre for Leonardo helicopters in the UK. 

Leonardo – Bristow Signs New AW189 Framework Agreement Including Firm Orders for 10 AW189 Helicopters.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
Posted in: HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, HEMS / SAR, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome,  28 February 2024 09:00

  • The new Framework Agreement includes 10 firm orders plus 10 options supporting Bristow fleet expansion plans from 2025 to 2028
  • The deal underscores Bristow’s success with the AW189 over the years – the most successful super medium helicopter in the market for offshore transport and other roles 

Leonardo and Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL), the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, announced a framework agreement including firm orders for 10 AW189 super medium helicopters plus 10 options. 

Bristow is currently operating 21 AW189 helicopters globally with another five due off the assembly line in 2024. The new framework agreement covers a fleet expansion plan for the 2025-2028 period. Bristow uses the AW189 in its Offshore Energy Services business line as well as in its Government Services business line supporting search and rescue operations in the U.K., the Netherlands, and beginning in 2025 in Ireland. The leading super medium AW189 delivers modern and safe long range, high endurance, and high capacity, similar to larger- and heavier-type helicopters, while allowing lower operating costs. 

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director for Leonardo Helicopters, said: “This latest step supporting our key partner Bristow is further testament to the outstanding capabilities of the AW189 as the aircraft of choice in its category for energy support missions among prime operators and countries. We’re proud to continue to provide our contribution to Bristow with this type, its technology and support solutions.” 

Leonardo and Bristow have collaborated for more than 28 years with Bristow using a range of aircraft types including the AW119 single engine, AW109 light twin, AW139 intermediate twin, and AW189 super medium. Bristow’s fleet of Leonardo helicopters will account for nearly 110 units with the arrival of these additional 10 AW189 helicopters.

In 2022, the companies signed a 10-year global service agreement for Bristow’s offshore fleet, applying to their AW139 and AW189 fleet, in operation across the globe. This unique service agreement is intended to deliver more efficient overall logistics and savings to the operator, highlighting the value of Leonardo logistic service offerings, increasing performance across geographies.

Belonging to the AWFamily of products, the AW189 (8.3/8.6 tonne) combines superior payload and range with advanced technologies to successfully operate a wide range of missions such as search and rescue, energy industry support, passenger transport, firefighting, and law enforcement.  Unique features of the helicopter include the capability of the main transmission to run without oil for 50 minutes and a built-in auxiliary power unit. The AW189 is available with more than 200 certified kits and delivered with a comprehensive support and training service package tailored to meet specific customer requirements to maximize mission effectiveness and safety of operations. The type is also certified for an automatic data transmission system enabling the aircraft to transmit performance data to a ground station using satellite communication in flight, 4G cell connectivity, or Wi-Fi when on the ground. It offers a secure way to share an accurate picture of each flight so that Leonardo experts can assess data quickly, thus optimizing maintenance and support. Over 140 AW189s have been ordered, and more than 90 delivered to operators worldwide to date. After 10 years since its certification, the AW189 remains the world’s most successful super-medium category helicopter by market size, number of operators, countries, and applications.   

Enstrom Selects Genesys Helicopter Autopilot for Enstrom 480B.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
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  • Enstrom Collaborating with Genesys to Certify Latest Helicopter Autopilot

PRESS RELEASE – February 27, 2024 – Mineral Wells, TX

Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog company, announced today that it is working with Enstrom Helicopter Corporation to install and certify the latest generation Genesys Helicopter Autopilot in the Enstrom 480B. The 3-axis VFR autopilot is scheduled for completion and availability for OEM factory fit and aftermarket retrofit by the end of 2024. Interested customers can have the autopilot installed by Enstrom or at select Genesys dealers.

“We pride ourselves in being customer-focused, so we are excited to work with Enstrom to offer the industry standard for helicopter autopilots to its customer base. This will provide significant improvements in aircraft safety, operational improvements, and mission effectiveness” said Jamie Luster, Genesys’ Director of Sales and Marketing.

“I was able to test fly the prototype installation recently,” commented Dennis Martin, Enstrom’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We were highly impressed. It flew the helicopter very well and has advanced functionality. The 480B is already very stable, but the stability augmentation system takes it to a whole new level. What really stood out was the safety advantages it provides with features like auto-recovery and the ability to shoot fully coupled approaches. It’s a game changer!”

MD Helicopters Adds Helint of Kenya as Newest Authorized Service Center.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
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PRESS RELEASE – ANAHEIM, CALIF., February 27, 2024

MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) (HAI HELI-EXPO 2024, booth #4022) is proud to announce the addition of Helint of Kenya, Africa, to its network of Authorized Service Centers (ASC). Helint becomes the first ASC in the East African region, solidifying MDH’s commitment to providing exceptional service to its customers across the globe. 

Helint boasts a proven track record of expertise and capabilities, making them a valuable addition to the MD Helicopters ASC network. Their clientele includes prominent organizations such as the Kenya Defence Force and the anti-poaching MDH aircraft operation in Tanzania.

“This collaboration between Helint and MD Helicopters underscores a shared commitment to delivering superior service and support to MDH operators in the East African region,” said Brad Pedersen, MD Helicopters President and CEO. 

“Africa is an emerging and fast-growing market. With this synergy between Helint and MD Helicopters, our customers will be able to receive an improved customer experience through locally available MRO services and after-sales support at our dedicated and state of the art facility located at Wilson Airport, Nairobi, Kenya,” said Mandeep S. Osahan, managing director at Helint. “Our services are available to all new and existing, Civil and Government – MD Helicopter operators, translating into a prompt value-added service, and overall customer satisfaction, as a contributor to brand awareness, safety, and business growth.”

Helint will offer after-sales support, aircraft maintenance, OEM spare parts and accessories. Their highly experienced team includes personnel with prior experience servicing MDH aircraft while serving in the Kenya Defence Force, further ensuring the quality and reliability of their services.

RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2 engines surpass 200,000 flight hours on Swiss Air Force’s H135 helicopter fleet.

Posted by dgualdo on 27/02/2024
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PW200 helicopter engine family powers the majority of light-twin helicopters flying today.

PRESS RELEASE – Anaheim, California (February 27, 2024)

Pratt & Whitney Canada today congratulated the Swiss Air Force for achieving 200,000 flight hours on its fleet of 45 PW206B2 engines, powering 19 Airbus H135 helicopters. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business.

“The PW200 family, of which includes the PW206B2 engines, have proven to be exceptionally mission adaptable, economical to operate and dependable,” said Nicolas Chabée, vice president, marketing and sales, Helicopter Engines, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “We have worked closely with the Swiss Air Force over the years, helping to ensure the engines in the customer’s H135 fleet remain highly reliable, support exceptional dispatch availability metrics, and have a long and productive life cycle.”

“The missions the Swiss Air Force fleet undertake are always important and many help protect and save lives,” said Nadine Schroeder, communications manager, Swiss Air Force. “In addition, the fleet plays a key part for the training of our pilots. Therefore, they need to be always at the ready and have to serve a variety of purposes over many years. The Airbus H135 helicopter with PW206B2 engines meets that imperative.” The PW200 engine family was among the first helicopter engines to have an integrated digital data capability. This powerful feature has been constantly expanded and enhanced with every new iteration of the engine. More than 6,000 PW200 engines have been delivered with over 4,500 still in service. The PW200 engine fleet has exceeded 16.5 million engine flying hours.

Pratt & Whitney powers many vital aircraft in the Swiss Air Force’s fleet. For example, the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine powers the Pilatus PC-6, de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter, Pilatus PC-7 and Pilatus PC-21 aircraft used for military training and aerobatic display. Later this decade, the Swiss Air Force is scheduled to begin receiving a fleet of F-35 fighter jets powered by the F135 engine.

Bell Delivers SUBARU Bell 412EPXs to Two Southern California County Sheriff’s Departments.

Posted by dgualdo on 27/02/2024
Posted in: Bell Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Anaheim, California (February 27, 2024) 

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the successful deliveries of three SUBARU Bell 412EPXs, two to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and one to San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, during HAI Heli Expo 2024.

“Bell is thrilled to partner with both San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as they expand their capabilities that will support the safety of Californian citizens,” said Lane Evans, managing director, North America. “The SUBARU Bell 412EPX continues to hold a well-established reputation of taking public safety missions to the next level.”

From airborne command to search and rescue, evacuations to special ops – the SUBARU Bell 412EPX is a highly sought after aircraft platform in the public safety field. With its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs., and ability to carry 5,000 lbs. with its cargo hook, the SUBARU Bell 412EPX allows operators to carry a variety of essential public safety supplies. The SUBARU Bell 412 EPX is also equipped with a robust main rotor gearbox with dry run capability, enabling operators to benefit from increased horsepower to perform operations more efficiently.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s SUBARU Bell 412EPX

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s aviation unit, Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA), completes nearly 6,000 public safety missions each year with its all-Bell fleet of emergency response helicopters, including four Bell 407GXis, three Bell 205s, and its newest addition of a SUBARU Bell 412EPX. ASTREA plans to use its SUBARU Bell 412EPX in conjunction with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) firefighters to combat wildfires within the region.

“We are working hard to have crews trained and ready for the upcoming fire season. We have found the SUBARU Bell 412 EPX to be a very capable aircraft that is delivering on its promises. The aircraft will allow us to improve our effectiveness during fire missions and allow for a greater margin of safety during hoist operations,” said Deputy Gary Kneeshaw, pilot, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.  

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs

As the lead aerial law enforcement agency for the largest county in the U.S. covering an area over 20,000 square miles, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department plans to utilize their two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs for critical law enforcement missions and emergency response assistance including wildfire management and search-and-rescue operations. Over 50 years ago, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit began its operations with their two Bell 47Gs and have since expanded their fleet to 17 aircraft, which includes two Bell UH-1Hs, a Bell 212, and the most recent purchase of two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs.

“The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is proud to work with Bell to facilitate the purchase of their first brand new rescue helicopters. Our Air Rescue program is a critical component to providing safety to the residents of San Bernardino County. Greg Maitlen, regional sales manager, and the team at Bell provided us with a product and customer service that exceeded our expectations,” said Lieutenant Brian Chambers, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.