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CCG gets first two Bell 412 EPIs

These are the first of seven new medium-lift helicopters being constructed by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. as part of the Coast Guard’s Fleet Renewal Plan. The acquisition of these modern aircraft is renewing the capabilities of the Coast Guard’s existing fleet of helicopters.

These helicopters will help support the government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan by enhancing the Coast Guard’s capability to contribute to marine safety and environmental response across the country.

Helicopters are used in delivering key Coast Guard services, including ensuring the safety of marine traffic, performing icebreaking reconnaissance, maintaining aids to navigation and marine communications equipment, science and fisheries enforcement, and transporting personnel and cargo between ship and shore.

The seven new Bell 412 EPIs will replace five Bell 212 helicopters currently in service. Under the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet Renewal Plan, the Government of Canada has already received and deployed 15 light-lift helicopters (Bell 429s) and contracted for a helicopter simulator.

In an average year, the Coast Guard’s helicopter fleet flies some 7,000 hours, performs more than 8,400 flights and transports more than 22,700 persons. It also carries a payload of more than 11.2 million pounds and completes more than 3,500 external load lifts, carrying cargo suspended by a cable from the helicopter.

“The Government of Canada has committed to enhancing marine safety and environmental response through the Oceans Protection Plan,” notes Dominic LeBlanc, minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “These helicopters support that plan, playing a vital role in ensuring the safe movement of ships on Canada’s oceans and waterways.”