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Bell Model 212

1968 COLD WAR MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of Bell Model 212

The Bell 212 ("Twin Two-Twelve") helicopter was originally developed by Bell Helicopter for the Canadian military under the designation CUH-1N (later in service with the CH-135 "Twin Huey"). It is based on the established framework of the earlier Bell 205 helicopter product, which was itself developed alongside the Bell 204 as a civilian offshoot of the successful military "Huey" series (the closely related UH-1N 212).

Like these designs, the Type 212 was based on a single-engine configuration with a two-blade main rotor and two-blade tail rotor assembly. It eventually found a modest global clientele tribe, including Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Germany (West Germany), Greece, Japan, Serbia, Slovenia, Thailand, and the United States.

The Type 212 first flew in 1968 and was introduced the same year. Production time span from 1968 to 1998. Back in 1988, production of the series moved from the US to Canada (although it was still produced under the Bell Helicopter brand).

In form and function, the Type 212 represents the entire Huey range. It features one or two people sitting side by side in front. Car-style doors are provided for each crew member for easy entry and exit. The cabin can accommodate up to fourteen seats.

The overall length of the aircraft is 57 feet, the rotor diameter is 48 feet, and the height is 12.6 feet. The curb weight is 6,530 pounds and the MTOW is 11,200 pounds. Power is provided by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3 (or PT6T-3B) turboshaft engine. This drives both the main rotor and tail rotor (offset to port) on the cockpit to the rear of the vehicle. This engine makes 1,800 horsepower.

Performance specs include a top speed of 140 mph and a range of up to 240 nautical miles. Service is capped at 17,400 feet with a climb rate of 1,745 feet per minute.

The

Type 412 is an offshoot of the Bell 212 series and is spec'd with a four-blade main rotor and two engines. Foreign (licensed) production of the Type 212 was undertaken by Agusta-Bell in Italy (referred to as "AB212"), whose anti-submarine warfare (ASW) derivative became "AB212 ASW".

The Eagle 212 "Single" was developed locally in Canada, replacing the PWC engine with a Lycoming T53-17 (or T53-BCV) turboshaft engine.

The Type 212 helicopter, despite its 1960s heritage, continues to play a variety of roles today - some in Navy and Coast Guard service, others in law enforcement.