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Subaru Bell 412EPX to Begin Utility Mission With Japan’s National Police Agency

Subaru’s most recent helicopter, the Bell 412EPX, is now ready to begin its heroic mission within Japan’s National Policy Agency.
The Bell 412EPX will start working with Japan's National Police Agency 5 photos
Photo: Subaru
Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopter
Developed by Subaru together with Bell, this recent model is an upgraded version of the Bell 412 series. In 2019, Japan’s National Police Agency was the first to place an order for the new helicopter, which has now been delivered. According to an official statement, after a training period at the Subaru Aerospace Company’s Utsunomiya factory, it will begin its career with the Iwate Prefectural Police.

The project began in 2015, when Subaru was awarded a contract for developing a new UH-X utility helicopter for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF). Then, a few years later, the Japanese company began working with Bell on the commercial upgrade of this prototype, known as the Bell 412EPX. Basically, the commercial version was developed in parallel with the military version.

This helicopter was meant to be used by police forces and firefighters, as a multipurpose aircraft for difficult operations such as disaster prevention and response missions. It’s built with a durable airframe, a better dry run capability and it has an increased internal weight. Also, the transmission upgrades led to an 11% increase in torque, at speeds lower than 60 knots, compared to the previous Bell 412EPI.

All of these results in improved operational efficiency and the ability to carry more supplies – which is an important part of disaster relief operations, as is the ability to operate effectively even in challenging weather conditions.

The Bell 412EPX also features a Bell Basix-Pro integrated glass cockpit and 4 large HD displays with digital navigation systems, which improve situational awareness and help the pilot focus on more sensitive tasks, by reducing the workload. The wide cabin door, new crew door and versatile landing skids add to Bell 412EPX’s highly functional configuration.

After its debut with Japan’s National Policy Agency, the Bell 412EPX helicopter is ready to work with the para-public sectors of other countries as well, like its predecessor.
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About the author: Otilia Drăgan
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Otilia believes that if it’s eco, green, or groundbreaking, people should know about it (especially if it's got wheels or wings). Working in online media for over five years, she's gained a deeper perspective on how people everywhere can inspire each other.
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