Bell Wins $123 Million Canadian Coast Guard Helicopter Contract

Bell Helicopter announced today that it has signed a $123 million (CAN$155 million) contract to supply seven Bell 412EPI helicopters to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).

The contract was signed with Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). The aircraft will support the CCG’s maritime security and fisheries activities and will contribute to the safety, accessibility, sustainability and security of Canadian waters.

The contract were signed by Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, in a formal signing ceremony at the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Ltd. Assembly Center.

“The selection of the Bell 412EPI will help improve the CCG’s support capability to ensure the safety, security and environmental protection services to the fishing industry and all mariners,” said Minister Lebel. “The CCG operates in some of the harshest flying conditions on the planet, so the performance capabilities of the aircraft are exactly what they need to support their operations.”

The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in June 2016, with one helicopter expected to be delivered every three months thereafter. This contract for Bell 412’s follows a CCG contract announced in May 2014 for 15 Bell 429 helicopters. Bell Helicopter delivered the first of the 15 Bell 429’s in late March.

CCG will utilize the flexibility of the Bell 412EPI to support the non-military activities of multiple government departments and agencies, including the Department of National Defense, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Environment Canada. The aircraft will operate in all areas of Canada, including both coastal regions, inland waters such as the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, and Canada’s expansive Arctic areas.

The avionics suite also includes high resolution digital maps, electronic charts and approach plates, ADS-B transponder and optional HTAWS and XM satellite links. The new Bell 412EPI also incorporates the power of Pratt and Whitney's PT6T-9 Twin Pac engines, providing 15 percent more horsepower than the standard Bell 412. The Bell 412EPI features the BLR Strake and FastFin system, which modifies the tail boom to optimize airflow and improve handling, safety and lift.