San Diego County Sheriff - ASTREA N989RL -Subaru Bell 412EPX Firefighting-Rescue Helicopter - New twin-engine Helicopter

For discussion about civilian aircraft radio communications and live flight tracking. Many topics can be found here including ADS-B, Mode S logs and aircraft lists.
Post Reply
Brian
Posts: 1493
Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:54 pm

San Diego County Sheriff - ASTREA N989RL -Subaru Bell 412EPX Firefighting-Rescue Helicopter - New twin-engine Helicopter

Post by Brian »

San Diego Sheriff ASTREA - Bell 412 EPX Fire-Rescue Helicopter - New twin-engine Firefighting Helicopter -

Tail Reg: N412SD ?

Possible delivery end of 2023 ? - Updated: N989RL Delivered on October 27,2023

__________________________________

SUBARU BELL 412EPX is the next generation utility helicopter that further improves reliability and durability of the Bell 412 series currently active in various fields. The SUBARU BELL 412EPX provides safe and secure flights with a wide cabin, tough airframe and solid technology.
• SUBARU BELL 412EPX
• MADE IN JAPAN, MADE BY SUBARU
• SUPPORTS
• LASER PEENING TECHNOLOGY
• INTEGRATED GLASS COCKPIT
• FEATURES
• DIMENSIONS
• TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Speeds at Max Gross Weight
VNE: 140 kts
Max Cruise: 123 kts
Range at VLRC: 361 nm
Max Endurance: 3.8 hrs
Standard Fuel: 331 US gal
Standard Seating: 1 + 14
Maximum Seating: 1 + 14
https://aerospace.subaru.co.jp/412epx/en/spec.html

SUBARU BELL 412EPX SPECIFICATIONS - PDF
The SUBARU BELL 412EPX is the next in the evolution of the Bell 412 family, providing an upgraded transmission, an electronically-controlled PT6T-9 engine, and the 2nd generation Bell BasiX-ProTM integrated glass cockpit display system. It is a modern version of the helicopter known as the workhorse of the industry with a reputation of getting up and going to work every day in even the most extreme environments.
https://www.bellflight.com/-/media/site ... ations.pdf

BELL 412
https://www.bellflight.com/products/bell-412

STORY
PASSION FOR THE PROGRAM
Through the SUBARU BELL 412EPX,
SUBARU will deliver “Enjoyment and
Peace of Mind” to our global customers.

LATEST OF THE 412 SERIES
Bell’s 412 series is the base aircraft of the SUBARU BELL 412EPX and has an established positive reputation for various activities such as search and rescue, aerial firefighting, transportation and surveillance. SUBARU manufactures the aircraft in Japan and delivers them to customers domestically and internationally. Features of the valuable Bell 412 series are;
Improved performance and safety
High operational availability
Excellent maintainability
Well-organized customer support
All of which are inherited into the SUBARU BELL 412EPX
https://aerospace.subaru.co.jp/412epx/en/story.html

Bell 412EPX
Based on the Bell 412EPI, the 412EPX was developed for Japan’s UH-X competition. It has a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, increased internal Maximum Gross Weight to 12200 lbs / 5500 kg and mast torque output of 11 at speeds below 60 knots.
The first prototype was built at Bells facility in Mirabel, Canada and the FAA certification was achieved on July 5, 2018.
Subaru (former Fuji) will assembly the helicopter at its Aerospace Company Utsunomiya Plant in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Subaru Bell 412EPX walkaround - YouTube Video
https://youtu.be/sF6MK5eNpw0

SUBARU BELL 412EPX Start-Up & Takeoff Utility Helicopter | Subaru Aerospace
https://youtu.be/MMGNFZG00Wo

Rotorcraft Production List for Bell 412EPX
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39101 C-FYVM, N412FW
Subaru-Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39102 C-GFNX, JA412X
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39103 C-GFNZ, N412EX
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39104 C-GIMH, (N512WP)
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39105 C-GPJX, (N750GE)
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39106 C-GRWL, N9302B
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39107 C-GSQQ, N9304B
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39108 C-GRSV, N412VC
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39109 C-GBRF
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39110 C-GFNU
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39111 C-GIQN
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39112 C-GIQQ
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39113 C-GSQO
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39114 C-GSQD
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39115 C-GSOZ
Bell 412EP ('412EPX') 39116 C-GRQZ
http://www.rotorspot.nl/product/b412.php

List of Operators of Bell 412EPX
Construction Numbers
C/N Year History
39101 2017 C-FYVM,N412FW
39102 2018 C-GFNX,JA412X
39103 2019 C-GFNZ,N412EX
39106 2020 C-GRWL
https://www.helis.com/database/model/Bell-412EPX/

The Subaru-Bell 412EX demo helicopter was at KSEE in April 18-20, 2022.
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N412EX

__________________________________
County Bolstering Aerial Fire Resources

The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to strengthen aerial fire protection in the region by approving the purchase of a new twin-engine firefighting helicopter and adding two additional firefighting helicopters to a firefighting response agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric.

The Bell 412 EPX helicopter will be the first twin-engine in the Sheriff’s fleet. A twin-engine helicopter is safer, can fly at night, hoist more weight, carry more water and reach more locations to pick up water.
“The reality is we need a twin-engine firefighting helicopter in our county firefighting arsenal. This has been a long-desired goal of making sure as a region, we’re better prepared to fight wildfires,” said Board Chairman Nathan Fletcher at the meeting. “We know over time we will need more than one but moving forward now with one is the right step as we confront the realities of much more devastating risk of wildfires than we’ve seen in the past and we upgrade our fleet air support arsenal.”

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department firefighting and search and rescue helicopter fleet now consists of three Bell 205 helicopters built in the 1960s and 1970s. During wildfires, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Protection District staff the helicopters, except for the pilot, for water drops. Eventually, all the Sheriff helicopters will be replaced with twin-engine models.
“It’s the next generation for ASTREA (Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies),” said Sheriff’s ASTREA Sgt. Gavin Lanning.

After a purchase is made, it typically takes 18 months for it to be delivered.

The Board also voted to amend an agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric to provide an additional two firefighting helicopters, bringing to five the number of helicopters available from the utility company to fortify an initial fire response. The agreement states that SDG&E pays for the first two hours of a new fire and the County pays for another two hours. In the event they are needed longer, the jurisdiction may choose to pay additional hours. Both SDG&E and the County have a $150,000 annual contribution limit.
The SDG&E fleet includes two Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks, one Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane and one Airbus H145, with another Black Hawk to be added in 2023. All will be based in San Diego County and available to be assigned to local fires.

The County first entered into the agreement with SDG&E in 2009 and has renewed and expanded terms since then. In five years, the SDG&E helicopters have responded to 144 fires with 333 flight hours.

https://www.countynewscenter.com/county ... resources/

San Diego County Sheriff agrees to purchase Bell 412EPX helicopter
It will be the first twin-engine helicopter in the Sheriff’s fleet
https://fireaviation.com/2022/04/29/san ... elicopter/

San Diego County Supervisors Approve First $16M Twin-Engine Helicopter to Help Battle Wildfires
https://timesofsandiego.com/crime/2022/ ... g-efforts/

Contract with Perimeter Solutions to provide a brand of fire retardant.
https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/ ... helicopter
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/ ... es/2931038

————————————————————————————————————

Subject
ENSURING ADEQUATE AERIAL FIRE SUPPRESSION SUPPORT THROUGH THE ACQUISITION OF A TWIN-ENGINE HELICOPTER
[FUNDING SOURCES: UNASSIGNED GENERAL FUND FUND BALANCE RESULTING FROM EXPENDITURE SAVINGS AND AVAILABLE PROPOSITION 172 FUND BALANCE]

OVERVIEW
Climate change has led to our region getting hotter and drier and the risk of serious wildfires continues to grow. We have seen historic fires throughout our state and the western United States in recent years and we must continue to do everything we can to adequately prepare for the very real risk of wildfire in San Diego. That includes taking every possible step to make sure that our first responders have the regional assets they need to fight fires on a 24-hour basis.
Aerial fire suppression during a wildfire is a critical component of the region’s overall firefighting strategy. The current San Diego County aerial fleet consists of single-engine helicopters that are built out of 1960s and 1970s airframes. Twin-engine helicopters are more efficient at fighting fires as they have the ability to fly at night and carry a larger amount of water. The entire fleet of single-engine helicopters must eventually be replaced. Today’s proposal, the acquisition of a twin-engine helicopter to add to the fleet, is the first step in this replacement plan.
The current fleet of helicopters used by San Diego County is manufactured by Bell. Operating a fleet of helicopters and equipment from a single manufacturer is more efficient and provides cost savings by standardizing flight training for pilots and costs for tooling and maintenance training.
This is a request to authorize the Director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracting to issue a competitive solicitation for the first acquisition, a single-source purchase, of one Bell 412 EPX helicopter, including outfitting. This is also a request to award new contracts and amend current contracts for Bell parts, components, repairs, and maintenance services, to award new contracts and amend current contracts for helicopter pilot and mechanic training and certifications, and to award new contracts and amend current contracts for the outfitting, parts, and components, and repair and maintenance of the Bell 412 EPX helicopter.

RECOMMENDATION(S) CHAIR NATHAN FLETCHER
1. In accordance with Section 401, et. seq., of the County Administrative Code, authorize the
Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to enter into negotiations with Bell; and subject to successful negotiations and determination of a fair and reasonable price, award a contract for one Bell 412 EPX Helicopter and outfitting with standardized Sheriff equipment, and to amend the contract as needed to reflect changes to services and funding, subject to the approval of the Sheriff.
2. In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to enter into negotiations with Bell; and subject to successful negotiations and determination of a fair and reasonable price, award new contracts and amend current contracts for Bell Helicopter parts, components, outfitting and repairs and maintenance services for a five-year period.

3. In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to enter negotiations with Bell; and subject to successful negotiations and determination of a fair and reasonable price, award new contracts and amend current contracts for helicopter pilot and mechanic training and certifications for a five-year period.
4. In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to enter into negotiations with Bell Authorized Distributors and Service Centers, Original Equipment Manufacturers such as FLIR, The Civil Aerospace Division of Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney and uniquely Specialized Federal Aviation Administration Repair Facilities, and subject to successful negotiations and determination of a fair and reasonable price, award new contracts and amend current contracts for the outfitting, parts and components, and repair and maintenance of the Sheriff's current and future fleet of helicopters, for a five year period to support the mission of the Sheriff's ASTREA (Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Areas) Program. Contracts shall be amended as needed to reflect changes in services and funding, subject to the approval of the Sheriff.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Much of the unincorporated areas of San Diego County, where San Diego County Fire provides protection, consist of disadvantaged communities. We must ensure that these vulnerable communities are protected from the impacts of wildfires. Today’s action to purchase a new twin-engine helicopter will help protect these areas and the entire region.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request will be included in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 CAO Operational Plan Change Letter in the Sheriff’s Department. If approved, this will result in estimated costs and revenue of $16.0 million. The funding sources are unassigned General Fund fund balance of $8,000,000 resulting from expenditure savings and available Proposition 172 fund balance of $8,000,000.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
Adequate fire protection protects the residential and business assets of the San Diego region.
https://bosagenda.sandiegocounty.gov/co ... 7e80e80777

——————————————-
From the same agenda above, for SDGE…

SUBJECT: COUNTY FIRE - MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC FOR HELICOPTER UTILIZATION FOR
FIRE SUPPRESSION (DISTRICTS: ALL)
OVERVIEW
On October 20, 2009 (11), the Board of Supervisors approved the first agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) to utilize a Helitanker for the region’s aerial fire protection program. Since then, the agreement has been renewed multiple times as the County of San Diego (County) sought to increase aerial assets to strengthen its initial fire suppression attack capabilities. Over the past five years, these helicopters have responded to 144 fires for a total flight time of 333 hours.
Today’s action will authorize the Director, Purchasing and Contracting to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County and SDG&E, adding two helicopters to the current MOU, for a total of five firefighting helicopters available to suppress fires. Under this agreement, SDG&E will continue to cover the costs to operate the helicopter during the first two flight hours of any new fire, and the County will continue to cover the second two flight hours up to the County's annual cost limit of $150,000.

RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director, Purchasing and Contracting, to enter into negotiations with San Diego Gas & Electric for firefighting-equipped helicopters for up to three years with up to two additional option years if needed, and to amend the agreement as needed to reflect changes to requirements and funding, and to execute any related agreements or documents.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
More than 80 percent of the San Diego County Fire Protection District’s (SDCFPD) jurisdictional area qualifies as a disadvantaged unincorporated community, based on a San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) report on the funding, administration, and performance of the former County Service Area No. 135 (now SDCFPD). San Diego County Fire continues to engage communities through the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division, established in 2019. The CRR Division strives to build, enhance, and maintain resilient communities within the SDCFPD’s jurisdictional area through involvement with the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, various community outreach opportunities, and by promoting local events aimed at creating safe and livable communities to improve the health and quality of life of residents.

FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request will be included in in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 CAO Recommended Operational Plan for County Fire. If approved, this request will result in costs and revenue of $150,000 in Fiscal Year 2022-23, depending on flight time. The funding source is existing General Purpose Revenue. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
Brian
Posts: 1493
Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:54 pm

Re: San Diego County Sheriff - ASTREA - Subaru Bell 412EPX Firefighting-Rescue Helicopter - New twin-engine Helicopter -

Post by Brian »

N989RL - ASTREA new fire fighting helicopter
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N989RL
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/n989rl

2023 BELL TEXTRON CANADA LTD 412EP

Manufacturer Name: BELL TEXTRON CANADA LTD
MFR Year: 2023
Model: 412EP
Serial Number: 39110
ModeS Code: ADCE15
https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquir ... Txt=N989RL
https://www.flightaware.com/resources/r ... ion/N989RL

Arrived in San Diego County on October 27,2023
Left Bell Helicopter on October 25,2023
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight ... Z/89TN/M91
Brian
Posts: 1493
Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:54 pm

Re: San Diego County Sheriff - ASTREA - Subaru Bell 412EPX Firefighting-Rescue Helicopter - New twin-engine Helicopter -

Post by Brian »

New Sheriff Helicopters Serve as a Regional Public Safety Asset

Two new state-of-the-art helicopters joined the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department air fleet as part of the department’s commitment to safeguarding communities.
Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez unveiled the new fire helicopter and patrol helicopter, a $21 million investment for the two, this week at the Aerial Support to Law Enforcement Agencies base in El Cajon.

The new fire helicopter is the 412EPX. It is designed to operate in challenging environments and weather conditions typically encountered during firefighting missions.

The new patrol helicopter is the 407GXi. It is dedicated to law enforcement operations24 hours a day and has a cutting-edge flight deck with precision navigation allowing pilots to accurately track and respond to incidents. Its powerful engine makes it fast in responding to emergencies and it is equipped with a bucket to help with water drops during a fire mission.

New Helicopters - San Diego County Sheriff's Department
https://youtu.be/Wdjbe2tpul8?si=KWncTYAWuKsQYqbm

https://www.countynewscenter.com/new-sh ... ety-asset/

New Helicopters
Post Date:11/20/2023
https://www.sdsheriff.gov/Home/Componen ... ws/2365/16

Media Advisory - New Helicopters
News conference on new fire and patrol helicopters.
Post Date:11/17/2023 10:12 AM
https://www.sdsheriff.gov/Home/Componen ... s/2351/514

New Helicopters
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department unveiled two new state-of-the-art helicopters for the safety of our region.
videos and photos
https://spaces.hightail.com/space/WcThehg3Hy

Video
https://vimeo.com/886666367

Long Video - The Copter 11 - N989RL
https://spaces.hightail.com/space/WcThe ... humbnail-2

Long Video - B-Roll Bell 407 GXI Fleet
https://spaces.hightail.com/space/WcThe ... humbnail-2


Our state-of-the-art public safety resources reach new heights. We are elevating our emergency preparedness in the region with two new helicopters. Watch the video to learn more on how the helicopters will support our patrol operations and firefighting missions.
https://twitter.com/SDSheriff/status/17 ... 3693950455

San Diego Sheriff's Department unveils new helicopters
One of the new choppers is designed to fly firefighting missions.
It is equipped with a twin-engine and a 375-gallon belly tank that can drop water and foam.

The firefighting helicopter cost $15.7 million, which came from the department's budget and Preposition 172 funds, which puts tax revenue towards public safety. The patrol chopper cost $5.5 million, from the Sheriff's Department general fund.
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/ ... s/3360883/

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/ne ... helicopter

https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2023/1 ... t-support/

https://helihub.com/2023/11/21/san-dieg ... elicopter/

The new Copter 11 - N989RL
Image

N998LQ - New ASTREA Bell 407GXi helicopter
Image

N989RL - Copter 11
Image

Image
Brian
Posts: 1493
Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:54 pm

Re: San Diego County Sheriff - ASTREA N989RL -Subaru Bell 412EPX Firefighting-Rescue Helicopter - New twin-engine Helico

Post by Brian »

Lloyd H Photo - @lloydhphoto
Last shoot here in California was a pretty special one!
Shooting with San Diego County Sheriff's Department to look at their new @BellFlight 412EPX using the @DARTAEROSPACE Fire Attack tank system.
More to come on @verticalmag channels. #Photographer #Aviation
https://twitter.com/lloydhphoto/status/ ... 8949677087
Brian
Posts: 1493
Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:54 pm

Re: San Diego County Sheriff - ASTREA N989RL -Subaru Bell 412EPX Firefighting-Rescue Helicopter - New twin-engine Helico

Post by Brian »

Photo of the week:
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Bell 412EPX helicopter
March 14, 2024
https://www.police1.com/police-helicopt ... -onslaught
Post Reply