US approves sale of Bell 412EP helicopters to Argentina

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (US DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale to Argentina worth $80m.

The proposed sale will include acquisition of four Bell 412EP helicopters and associated equipments including major components, spare parts, tools, publications, pilot and maintenance training from Bell Helicopter Textron.

Additionally, the Government of Argentina has requested training on preparation of the aircraft for shipment, ground support equipment and technical assistance from the US Government.

The possible sale is expected to boost the bilateral relationship between the two countries as well as expand the air mobility capabilities of Argentina.

Upon delivery, Argentina will deploy the aircraft across various missions including search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping support and scientific operations in the Antarctic.

The sale is expected to enhance Argentina’s current inventory of US-origin utility helicopters while standardising operational procedures, logistics and associated maintenance.

With a cruise speed of 140k and 358nm range, the Bell 412EP offers dual digital automatic flight control system with available IFR option and excellent Category A/JAR OPS 3 capability, and is designed to reliably perform in extreme climates worldwide.

The aircraft is equipped with a dual digital automatic flight control system and is used by commercial operators as well as military operators such as Colombia, Canada, Indonesia, Italy, the Netherlands and South Korea.