US Army Awards $37.7 Million Contract for Bell Textron Helicopters
The US Army has awarded a significant contract to Bell Textron for the provision of three 412 EPX medium utility helicopters, as part of its foreign military sales program. The contract, valued at $37.7 million, is designed to support multiple buyers, although the specific recipients remain undisclosed due to "potential customer sensitivities," as stated by the US Army Cargo Helicopters Project Office.
The Department of Defense has confirmed that the helicopters are intended for more than one foreign military customer, but the identities of these partners cannot be revealed due to contractual agreements. The assembly and delivery of the helicopters will take place at Bell’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, with work expected to continue through December 2025.
In a related announcement, Subaru, co-producer of the EPX helicopter, disclosed that it has signed a deal to supply two of these aircraft to the Japan Coast Guard. With this addition, the coast guard will be expanding its fleet to include six EPX models, complementing its existing operational capabilities which feature over 40 helicopters from the Bell 412 and the older 212 models.
The Bell 412 EPX, a 56-foot (15-meter) utility helicopter, is designed with modern technology and performance features. This includes a cargo hook capacity of up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) and seating for up to 15 passengers. Its advanced cockpit is equipped with touchscreen flight monitors and four high-definition displays to assist with navigation and situational awareness. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney engine, the EPX has an operational range of 415 miles (669 kilometers), a flight time of approximately four hours, and a top speed of 161 miles (259 kilometers) per hour.
As international demand for versatile and advanced military helicopters continues to grow, these deliveries underscore the ongoing commitment of the US and its allies to enhancing their aerial capabilities.
