2 Bell 412EP airframes now in PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3): 2 Bell 412EP airframes now in PHL

Two out of the eight brandnew airframes of the Bell 412EP, ordered from the Canadian government, have arrived in the Philippines and are now undergoing assembly and testing in a secure facility.

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

The remaining six are expected to be delivered within this year and the next.

"Three of these eight helicopters will be configured as VIP helicopters for the coming APEC meet in September," Defense undersecretary for finance, modernization and materiel Fernando Manalo earlier said.

The remaining five will be used for combat utility purposes by the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

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

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=768202