Indonesia has ordered five Bell 412 helicopters and has the option to buy two more.
The five aircraft will be delivered to PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in Bandung by the end of 2011, Bell said in a statement. PTDI will "add local content and customer-specific mission equipment" before the aircraft are delivered to Indonesian government agencies.
"Bell Helicopter has had a long partnership with PTDI in Indonesia," said Larry D Roberts, senior vice president of Bell's commercial business. "The sale of these helicopters is part of the framework of an ongoing industrial collaboration between our two companies. We believe our partnership will continue to grow and possibly expand in the future."
In 2012, a series of engine and flight deck upgrades to the Bell 412EP are expected to become available, said Bell. The upgrades will expand the range of missions the helicopter can perform.
The engine upgrade will be undertaken in partnership with Pratt & Whitney and yield 10-12% improved engine shaft horsepower, improve hot/high capability, and increase range and payload.
The flight deck upgrade will see the installation of a glass cockpit and provide commonality with Bell's other light twin and medium twin aircraft. Bell said this will simplify pilot training and maintenance.
Source: Flight International
