Two additional Bell 412EPX helicopters have been handed over by the United States to the Philippine Air Force, marking the second delivery under Manila’s eight-aircraft Additional Utility Helicopter Project. The aircraft were received at Villamor Air Base in Pasay and will be assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing. Their roles include tactical air mobility, movement of personnel and humanitarian missions in isolated areas. The Philippine Air Force received its first pair of helicopters in May, bringing its total Bell 412 inventory to 18, while the remaining aircraft are expected to arrive by 2027. The Subaru-co-developed 412EPX measures 56 feet in length and has a 46-foot rotor diameter. It accommodates up to 15 people and has a 5,000-pound-capacity external hook. The 13,000-pound helicopter carries 331 gallons of fuel and is powered by twin PT6T-9 Twin-Pac engines, each producing 1,122 hp. Its maximum speed is 140 knots, service ceiling 20,000 feet and operational radius 361 nautical miles.
