San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department take deliveries of Bell 412EPXs for emergency response assistance
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.
