Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced at Heli-Expo 2022 the signed purchase agreement by Salt River Project (SRP) for a SUBARU BELL 412EPX. Salt River Project performs critical missions providing water and electricity to the greater Phoenix area.

“SRP’s Flight Services Department has relied on Bell aircraft for more than 40 years,” said Lane Evans, managing director, North America. “The SUBARU BELL 412EPX will significantly enhance SRP’s ability to transport crew and cargo, perform power pole replacement and complete hoist work, which is critical to their mission of providing low-cost electricity and water resources to Arizona residents.”

Since 1903, SRP has delivered low-cost reliable power and water for over 100 years, making it one of the largest utility operators in North America. SRP’s Flight Services Department was formed in 1978 and, in 1981, began its rotary wing operations with a Bell 206B JetRanger. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX will join its current fleet of Bell aircraft including a Bell 212 and Bell 429.

“The Arizona climate and topography can be extremely challenging year-round,” said, XX, Salt River Project. “The SUBARU BELL 412EPX’s modern technology and unmatched ability to perform in the most demanding environments will allow our unit to operate more efficiently and safely to provide power resources to the public.”

Certified in 2018, the SUBARU BELL 412EPX, possesses an increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs. and up to 5,000 lbs. of goods with a cargo hook. The platform enables large cargo and personnel transportation with its ability to carry up to 5,385 lbs.

The SUBARU BELL 412EPX benefits from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots; providing operators the ability to transport more supplies and perform operations more efficiently.