Japan Coast Guard Signs for Two Additional SUBARU Bell 412EPX Helicopters

In a significant boost to its operational capabilities, the Japan Coast Guard has secured two additional Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopters. Announced in mid-June 2024 by Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., this acquisition expands the Coast Guard’s fleet of Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopters to six. The partnership between the Coast Guard and Bell helicopters is a long one, with over 40 Bell 212 and 412 models faithfully serving for more than five decades. The Subaru Bell 412EPX represents a natural evolution, building upon this legacy of reliability.

This new generation helicopter boasts several improvements designed to enhance the Coast Guard’s performance across its core missions. The extended hover ceiling allows for better operations at high altitudes, particularly valuable in Japan’s mountainous regions. An increased payload capacity means the Coast Guard can carry more personnel or critical equipment during missions. The robust main rotor gearbox improves durability and extends service life, while the dry run capability ensures safer operation in harsh weather conditions or challenging terrain. Perhaps the most significant improvement for pilots lies in the state-of-the-art integrated avionics. Featuring large, intuitive displays, these avionics will significantly reduce pilot workload, allowing them to focus more on the critical task at hand. These advancements are critical as Japan looks to enhance the Japan Coast Guard’s effectiveness in safeguarding maritime security, conducting search and rescue operations, providing disaster relief, and transporting cargo.

Bell Announces First Flight of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-146C MK II Griffon Helicopter

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful first flight of their modernized CH-146 Griffon helicopter, a variant of the Bell 412EP. This upgraded platform is part of the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) project, a collaboration between Bell Textron Canada and the RCAF.

“The Bell 412 remains a venerable aircraft of choice for militaries across the world, with the Royal Canadian Air Force operating the largest and best equipped militarized fleet of 412s. Bell is honoured to continue our relationship with the Royal Canadian Air Force as they expand their mission capabilities with next generation technologies.”
Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell

The GLLE project aims to extend the capabilities and service life of the RCAF’s Griffon fleet through the 2030s. Bell will be providing a series of upgrades to the Griffon’s aeronautical components, including avionics systems, cockpit displays, engines, and sensor systems. This news follows Bell’s win of the In-Service Support (ISS) contract in February 2024, which ensures maintenance and support for the Griffon fleet until 2039.

The RCAF’s Griffon helicopters play a critical role in various missions, from worldwide humanitarian aid missions in support of the United Nations to search and rescue operations within Canada. The fleet surpassed a significant milestone last year, reaching over 500,000 flight hours.

“As Canada’s only helicopter manufacturer in-country, Bell is a proud partner of the Canadian Armed Forces. Our facility’s local presence provides us with the ability to work closely with the Canadian government, as well as other local customers to address their aircraft needs. The GLLE program will help ensure that the Royal Canadian Air Force is equipped with cutting-edge defence technologies for years to come.”
Michael Nault, General Manager, Bell Textron Canada

The first upgraded Griffon helicopter is expected to be delivered to the Canadian government in 2026 after undergoing military certification. This successful first flight marks a significant step forward in ensuring the continued effectiveness of the RCAF’s Griffon fleet for years to come.