Bell Textron Inc. handed over two SUBARU BELL 412EPX aircraft during an acceptance ceremony at La Aurora International Airport.
The aircraft are part of an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract signed between Bell and the U.S. Army Multinational Aviation Special Programs Office (MASPO) earlier this year.
The Guatemalan Air Force currently operates versions of the Bell 206, 212, 407, 412 and UH-1. The SUBARU BELL 412EPX is the latest version of the 412 aircraft.
“We are excited to introduce the SUBARU BELL 412EPX into the Guatemalan Air Force,” said Major General Henry Yovani Reyes, Minister of National Defence. “The aircraft will support missions including disaster response, humanitarian relief, and other utility needs.”
The SUBARU BELL 412EPX main rotor gearbox improves horsepower and maximum weight capacity, enabling the aircraft to transport more supplies and perform operations more efficiently. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX has a maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs and up to 5,000 lbs of goods with a cargo hook.