The US has turned over two additional 412EPX utility helicopters to the Philippine Air Force at Villamor Air Base, Pasay.
The delivery counts as the second batch under the military’s Additional Utility Helicopter Project, which covers eight rotary-wing aircraft ordered from US manufacturer Bell Textron Inc.
The air force received the initial two helicopters in May, bringing the service’s total Bell 412 inventory to 18 platforms.
Manila said the newly inducted twin-engine helicopters will join the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing to boost air mobility, warfighter transport, and humanitarian assistance across remote regions.
During the induction ceremony, Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura urged teams assigned to the aircraft to sustain “professionalism, competence, and accountability,” ensuring the capabilities are maximized for the military’s requirements.
Currently, the Philippine Air Force operates different Bell 412 variants alongside its 47 S-70i Black Hawks, forming one of Southeast Asia’s largest tactical rotary fleets.
Deliveries for the remaining airframes under the 412EPX contract are scheduled to conclude in 2027.
The Bell 412EPX
Co-developed by Subaru, the Bell 412EPX spans 56 feet (17 meters) in length and has a rotor diameter of 46 feet (14 meters).
It offers a seating capacity for up to 15 people and features a specialized hook that carries up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) of payload.
The 13,000-pound (5,897-kilogram) helicopter has a fuel capacity of 331 gallons (1,253 liters), and is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-9 Twin-Pac engines with 1,122 horsepower each.
The 412EPX travels at up to 140 knots (161 miles/259 kilometers per hour), has a service ceiling of 20,000 feet (6,096 meters), and an operational radius of 361 nautical miles (415 miles/669 kilometers).