JAPAN NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY PLACES WORLD’S FIRST ORDER FOR SUBARU BELL 412EPX

BELL and SUBARU have been working together for nearly 60 years in Japan.

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and SUBARU CORPORATION, announced that the Japan National Police Agency (JPNA) has placed the first order for a SUBARU BELL 412EPX.

“We thank the National Police Agency for its trust. These aircraft will contribute to the overall safety and security of the people in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture. We look forward to further collaboration and continued success with SUBARU for many years to come."

Mitch Snyder, Bell president and chief executive officer.

“We are honored that SUBARU received the world’s first order for the SUBARU BELL 412EPX by the Japanese National Police Agency. We thank BELL for its great cooperation and, together, we are committed to delivering the highest quality SUBARU BELL 412EPX to the National Police Agency. This order is the first milestone to bringing the SUBARU BELL 412EPX to customers around the world.”

Shoichiro Tozuka, Corporate Senior Vice President of SUBARU CORPORATION and the Aerospace company President.
Together with SUBARU’s unique laser peening technology, the SUBARU BELL 412EPX will benefit from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, increased internal Maximum Gross Weight to 12,200 lbs. and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots. This will provide operators the ability to transport more supplies and achieve better operational efficiency.
The BELL 412 has the impeccable reputation of reliability in some of the most extreme climates. Its versatile cabin accommodates an array of options to suit any specific mission needs. The Bell 412 continues to be the twin-engine helicopter of choice in the para-public sector, with governments in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, United States and Thailand incorporating the aircraft in their operations.
BELL’s history in Japan started with the delivery of three Bell 47D-1s to Mainichi Press, Yomiuri Press and Chunichi Press on Nov. 24, 1952. Historically, Bell has supplied most of the helicopters - more than 1,500 aircraft - that have been used or are still in service in Japan. 
SUBARU has a long established partnership with Bell since 1960s for the licensed production of the HU-1B/204B. Since then, through the cooperation with Bell, SUBARU has been manufacturing and supporting more than 400 helicopters in Japan, including the UH-1H/204B-2, UH-1J/205B and AH-1S to the JMOD.  SUBARU has been providing helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul support to the Japan Coast Guard, Japan National Police Agency, and to the Japan Firefighting and Disaster Relief Government Agencies. 

SUBARU AND BELL ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION ON COMMERCIAL 412 HELICOPTER UPGRADE

THE SUBARU BELL 412EPX INTRODUCED AS PART OF JAPAN UH-X PROGRAM

Farnborough, United Kingdom (16 July 2018) – At a ceremony held at Farnborough Air Show today, BELL HELICOPTER, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company and SUBARU Corporation announced their collaboration on a commercial enhancement of the BELL 412 EPI, which was type-certified this month as the 412 EPX, in support of the Japan UH-X program.

In 2015, Bell’s long-term partner, SUBARU (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries), was awarded the contract for the Japan UH-X program to replace Japan Ground Self Defence Force’s (JGSDF) current fleet of UH-1J aircraft with a militarized derivative of the SUBARU BELL 412EPX, which will enable the JGSDF to protect and save lives across its challenging topography, while addressing Japan’s unique requirements.

With improved performance and safety features, the SUBARU BELL 412 EPX will also provide more capability while maintaining its long-established reputation for utility and reliability for commercial customers.

“Our relationship with SUBARU extends over six decades. Together, we were the first to deliver military helicopters to Japan’s defense force. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration on the UH-X and the 412 EPX Programs.”

Mitch Snyder, Bell President and CEO

“Under cooperation with BELL, the SUBARU BELL 412EPX will provide a great opportunity to expand the commercial business. Further, the UH-X, which will replace the current UH-1J aircraft, will start delivery to JGSDF in 2022 and will be deployed for island defense and disaster relief efforts.”

Shoichiro Tozuka, Corporate Executive Vice President and President of Aerospace Company, SUBARU
The SUBARU BELL 412EPX will benefit from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, increased internal Maximum Gross Weight to 12,200 lbs. and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots. This will provide operators the ability to transport more supplies and achieve better operational efficiency.
The SUBARU BELL 412EPX commercial variant is planned to become available to customers globally through SUBARU and BELL in the future. A commercial prototype has undergone testing at Bell’s facility in Mirabel, Canada, and FAA certification was achieved on July 5, 2018.