News EMS
San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department adding Subaru Bell 412EPX

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department signed a purchase agreement for a Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopter. Its Emergency Operations Division will utilize the 412EPX for critical missions in San Bernadino as well as provide mutual aid assistance to neighboring counties in Southern California.

“This will be the fourth Bell aircraft operated by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department,” said Lane Evans, managing director, North America, Bell Textron. “The Subaru Bell 412EPX is the most technologically advanced and capable variant of the renowned Bell 412 platform, and it will be pivotal to providing emergency response to a heavily populated and challenging environment.”

Founded in 1972, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit began its operations with two Bell 47G helicopters. In additional to general law enforcement support, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit also aids in personnel/cargo transport, airborne photography, search and rescue operations, wildland fire suppression and emergency medical transport services.

“The topography and vastness of San Bernardino and the neighbouring counties we serve can be a challenge, and we are eager to utilize the Subaru Bell 412EPX to combat those challenges,” said Daniel Futscher, Lieutenant, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Operations Division.

Certified in 2018, the Subaru Bell 412EPX holds an increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs and the capability to carry up to 5,000 lbs of goods with a cargo hook.

Bell Textron notes the 412EPX also benefits from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, and mast torque output of plus 11 per cent at speeds below 60 knots; providing operators the ability to transport more supplies and perform operations more efficiently.