U.S. Oks Sale of Bell 412EP Helicopters to Zambia

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Zambia for Bell 412 Enhanced Performance (EP) medium-lift transport helicopters and related support systems.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of this proposed deal, valued at $100 million, funded through a mix of Foreign Military Financing and Zambian national funds.

The request from Zambia includes Bell 412 helicopters equipped with radio communication, navigation systems, weather radar, and transponder capabilities. The package also provides qualification and transition training for pilots and maintainers, technical assistance, contractor field support, and aviation ground support equipment. Additional components include spare parts, special tools, quality assurance inspections, and air freight delivery.

The U.S. government emphasizes that this proposed sale aligns with its foreign policy goals by enhancing the security of an important partner in South Central Africa.

Zambia's armed forces are expected to utilize these helicopters for peacekeeping, regional security, disaster response, and humanitarian aid missions.

The principal contractor for the deal will be Bell Textron, based in Fort Worth, Texas. This transaction also includes program management reviews, technical and logistics support, and the provision of operator, maintenance, and technical manuals.

The Bell 412EP is a medium-lift transport helicopter designed to accommodate one or two pilots and up to 13 passengers. It can carry a maximum external load of approximately 6,614 pounds (3,000 kilograms). The helicopter measures 56 feet 1 inch (17.09 meters) in length, including its rotors, with a fuselage length of 43 feet (13 meters) and a height of 15 feet (4.57 meters).

With an empty weight of 6,789 pounds (3,079 kilograms) and a maximum takeoff weight of 11,900 pounds (5,398 kilograms), the Bell 412EP is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3D or PT6T-3DF Twin-Pac turboshaft engine, delivering 1,250 shaft horsepower (930 kW). In emergency scenarios, a single power section can provide 900 shp (671 kW). The main rotor spans 46 feet (14.02 meters) in diameter, with a total rotor area of 1,662 square feet (154.4 square meters).

Performance-wise, the Bell 412EP achieves a maximum speed of 140 knots (160 mph, 260 km/h) and a cruise speed of 122 knots (140 mph, 226 km/h). It has an operational range of 529 nautical miles (609 miles, 980 kilometers), a service ceiling of 20,000 feet (6,100 meters), and a rate of climb of 1,350 feet per minute (6.9 meters per second).