Initially announced on February 27 in a press release from Bell Helicopter, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department took the initial delivery of a new Bell 412 EPX to add to the agency's extensive fleet of search and rescue, firefighting, and patrol aircraft.
Shortly after the initial announcement, the new aircraft was delivered to San Diego-based Hangar One Avionics for full completion before arriving home to the SBSO facility located at San Bernardino International Airport late in the evening of April 9th, 2024.
The new aircraft is one of two 412EPX aircraft ordered by the department. The second is already being completed at the Hangar One facility in San Diego and is expected to be delivered in August.
The Bell 412EPX is the latest in the Bell medium fleet and features an increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs., and the ability to carry 5,000 lbs. with its cargo hook. According to Bell Helicopter, the SUBARU Bell 412 EPX is also equipped with a main rotor gearbox with dry run capability, enabling operators to benefit from increased horsepower to perform operations more efficiently.
