The Bell 412 is a Huey family twin-engine utility helicopter fabricated by Bell Helicopter. It is a Bell 212 development, with the major difference being the four-blade composite main rotor.

Technology and Evolution

Technology began in the late 1970s with the convertion of two Bell 212s into 412 prototypes. The improved four-blade main rotor, smaller in diameter, replaced the two-blade rotor of the 212. A version of the Bell 412 was flown in August 1979. In January 1981, the initial model was certified with deliveries beginning in the same month. The 412 model was followed by the 412SP (Special Performance) version with greater fuel capacity, higher takeoff weight and optional seating arrangements. The 412HP (High Performance) variant replaced the SP version in service in 1991, with improved transmission. The current production version, 412EP (Enhanced Performance), has a dual automatic automated flight control system. Bell launched the 412EPI in 2013 which includes an electronic (Digital) engine control for an upgrade of the PT6T-9 engine, and a glass cockpit display system similar to the Bell model 429. A Garmin touchscreen navigation system is also available, and updates to the BLR Strake and Fast Fin for improved performance on the hover. More than 700 Model 412s (including 260 were built by AgustaWestland).