Indonesia receives its first Bell 412EPI army assault helicopter

 

First of nine Bell 412EPI helicopter for the TNI-AD Army Aviation Center was delivered by PTDI on 29 December 2020. Photo c/o PTDI.


The Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) has started receiving new Bell 412EPI combat utility helicopters it ordered Bell Helicopters through state-owned aviation company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI).

The first Bell 412EPI was delivered to the TNI-AD on 29 December 2020, and is part of a IDR258 billion (US$183 million) contract signed by on December 2018 for 9 new Bell 412EPI helicopters.

8 more helicopters are scheduled for delivery to the TNI-AD by 2021.

Despite the TNI-AD's Army Aviation Command being a long-time operator of the Bell 412 helicopter family, this unit is the first Bell 412EPI in its inventory. 

The new variant features a more powerful engine, with two Pratt & Whitney PT6T-9 Twin Pac turboshaft engines, allowing for 15% greater take-off power than the older Bell 412EP. It also features updated avionics and electronic systems.

All 9 helicopters will be assembled by PTDI in Indonesia, with major airframe parts shipped by Bell Helicopters. PTDI will also install the helicopter's additional accessories specified by the TNI-AD.

PTDI is also in-charge of coordinating the delivery and installing the helicopter's weapon systems including door-mounted machine guns and ammunition ordered through state-owned arms manufacturer PT Pindad.

In addition, PTDI will provide the training for pilots and mechanics, technical publications and spare parts, as well as logistics support for the helicopters.

PTDI has an existing Industrial Cooperation Agreement with Bell Helicopters since 1982, with both companies completing more than 70 helicopters under the partnership, with 63 of them being Bell 412 helicopters. PTDI also manufactures components under license for the Bell 412 helicopter.



[1] PT Dirgantara Indonesia
[2] Indonesian Aerospace

Indonesia receives its first Bell 412EPI army assault helicopter Indonesia receives its first Bell 412EPI army assault helicopter Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 06, 2021 Rating: 5

No comments