Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced today the signed purchase agreement by Ventura County California’s Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit for the first public safety configured Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopter in North America. The new aircraft will be used for law enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS) and fire suppression.
“Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has been a Bell operator for more than 50 years, and as their mission continues to evolve, we are proud to deliver the first domestic public safety configured SUBARU BELL 412EPX, the SUBARU BELL 412EPX’s modern technology will provide the Air Unit with significant enhancements including safety operations and direct operating cost.”
Lane Evans, managing director, North America.
The Ventura County Aviation Unit began their operations in 1971, utilizing a Bell 47 for aerial public safety missions. This unit is the only public safety aviation unit in the county and provides support for all local and state law enforcement and fire service agencies in the county. The new SUBARU BELL 412EPX is scheduled to be delivered to Ventura County in the fourth quarter of this year.
“The SUBARU BELL 412EPX will increase our ability to perform these critical missions in demanding high- elevation environments year-round, adding the new aircraft will allow us to better protect and serve the citizens of Ventura County and neighboring communities.”
Certified in 2018, the SUBARU BELL 412EPX, possesses an increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs and up to 5,000 lbs of goods with a cargo hook. The platform enables large cargo and personnel transportation with its ability to carry up to 5,385 lbs.
The Subaru Bell 412EPX benefits from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots; providing operators the ability to transport more supplies and perform operations more efficiently.
