2 to six Bell 412EP helicopters to be delivered this August

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 4): 2 to six Bell 412EP helicopters to be delivered this August

A minimum of two to a maximum of six Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters are scheduled to be delivered this coming August.

This was confirmed by Department of National Defense (DND) undersecretary for finance, modernization and materiel Fernando Manalo in an interview with the PNA.

"We are looking at the minimum delivery of two units to a maximum of six," he said.

The arrival of these aircraft is expected to beef up the transportation and lift capability of the Philippine Air Force.

In March 2014, the Philippines signed a Php4.8 billion contract with Canadian government for the delivery of eight Bell 412EP helicopters.

"Three of these eight helicopters will be configured as VIP helicopters for the coming APEC meet in September," Manalo earlier said.

These new helicopters are intended to replace the five aging Bell 412 helicopters of the Office of the President which were acquired during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos.

The Bell 412EP is capable of carrying 14 passengers and is capable of flying at a maximum speed of 140 knots (around 259 kilometers), cruise speed of 122 knots (226 kilometers per hour) and a range of 402 nautical miles (745 kilometers).

It is powered with an enhanced Pratt and Whitney PT6T-3D Twin Pac.

The helicopters will be acquired government-to-government through Candian Commercial Corporation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=741043