Bell 212

{{about|the civil versions and operators of the Bell 212|the military versions and operators|UH-1N Twin Huey|an overview of the whole Huey family of aircraft|Bell Huey family|the computer modem|Bell 212A}}

{{Infobox aircraft

|name= Bell 212

|image= File:Kachina-b212-N212KA-030909-02cr.jpg

|caption= Bell 212 operated by Kachina departs from the Mojave Spaceport

|type= Medium utility helicopter

|national_origin= United States/Canada

|manufacturer= Bell Helicopter

|designer=

|first_flight= 1968

|introduction= 1968

|retired=

|status= Production completed

|primary_user= CHC Helicopter

|more_users=

|produced= 1968–1998

|number_built=

|developed_from= Bell 204/205

|variants= Bell UH-1N Twin Huey

|developed_into= Bell 412

}}

The Bell 212 (also known as the Bell Two-Twelve) is a two-blade, twin-engine, medium helicopter that first flew in 1968. Originally manufactured by Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, Texas, United States, production was moved to Mirabel, Quebec, Canada in 1988, along with all Bell commercial helicopter production after that plant opened in 1986.{{Cite web|url = http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/nvgt.do?sbPrtl=&prtl=1&estblmntNo=123456000951&profile=cmpltPrfl&profileId=1421&app=sold&lang=eng|title = Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. – Complete Profile|access-date = 11 December 2010|last = Industry Canada|author-link = Industry Canada|date = December 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121001032111/http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/nvgt.do?sbPrtl=&prtl=1&estblmntNo=123456000951&profile=cmpltPrfl&profileId=1421&app=sold&lang=eng|archive-date = 1 October 2012|url-status = dead}}{{Cite news|url = http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202346.html?search=Mirabel%20Bell%20212|title = Canada Seeks Helicopter Self Sufficiency|access-date = 14 December 2010|last = Goold |first = Ian |date=November 1987| work = Flight International}}

The 212 was marketed to civilian operators and has up to a 15-seat capacity, with one pilot and fourteen passengers. In cargo-carrying configuration, the 212 has an internal capacity of 220 ft³ (6.23 m³). An external load of up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) can be carried.

Development

Based on the stretched fuselage Bell 205, the Bell 212 was originally developed for the Canadian Forces as the CUH-1N and later redesignated as the CH-135. The Canadian Forces took delivery of 50 starting in May 1971. At the same time the United States military services ordered 294 Bell 212s under the designation UH-1N.

File:BMI Bell 212 D-HBZT.jpg Bell 212 used as air ambulance by the Ministry of the Interior]]

By 1971, the Bell 212 had been developed for commercial applications. Among the earliest uses of the type in civil aviation was by Helicopter Service AS of Norway to be used in support of offshore drilling; it proved popular across the offshore sector in particular as it had been certified for operating under marginal weather conditions.{{cite web |url = http://www.aeroespacio.com.ar/site/anteriores/538-550/542/site/_05Bell%20212.htm |title = ElBell 212 en la Fuerza Aérea |publisher = FAA official magazine |access-date = June 25, 2022 |archive-date = October 28, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081028175607/http://www.aeroespacio.com.ar/site/anteriores/538-550/542/site/_05Bell%20212.htm |url-status = dead }} Today, the 212 can be found used in logging operations, maritime rescue and resupply in the Arctic on the Distant Early Warning Line or North Warning System.

The 212 is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3 Twin-Pac made up of two coupled PT6 power turbines driving a common gearbox. They are capable of producing up to 1,800 shp (1,342 kW). Should one power section fail the remaining section can deliver 900 shp (671 kW) for 30 minutes, or 765 shp (571 kW) continuously, enabling the 212 to maintain cruise performance at maximum weight.

Early 212s configured with an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) package were required to have a large and very obvious fin attached to the roof of the aircraft, above and slightly behind the cockpit. This fin was initially determined necessary to alter the turning performance of the aircraft during complex instrument flight maneuvers, but is no longer required due to revised stipulations of the type certificate. Many aircraft still fly with the modification.

In 1979, with the purchase of eight by the Civil Air Authority, the 212 became the first U.S. helicopter sold in the People's Republic of China.

The ICAO designator for this aircraft as used in a flight plan is "B212". Bell developed the Model 212 further with the Bell 412; the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor. The last Bell 212 was delivered in 1998.[https://janes.ihs.com/CustomPages/Janes/DisplayPage.aspx?DocType=Reference&ItemId=+++1311944&Pubabbrev=JHMS "Bell 212"] (subscription article). Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems. Jane's Information Group, 2 April 2013.

Variants

Bell Model 212 - Bell Helicopters company designation for the UH-1N.
Twin Two-Twelve - Civil utility transport version. It can carry up to 14 passengers.
Agusta-Bell AB 212 - Civil or military utility transport version. Built under license in Italy by Agusta.
Agusta-Bell AB.212ASW - Anti-Submarine Warfare variant of AB.212
Bell Model 412 - Bell 212 with a four-bladed semi-rigid rotor system.
Eagle Single - Bell 212 converted to a single-engine configuration. Produced by Eagle Copters of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, using a Lycoming T5317A, T5317B, or T5317BCV engine.{{cite web|url=https://www.eaglecopters.com/eagle-single |access-date=6 May 2020 |title=Eagle Single | Airframe Customizations | Eagle Copters }}{{cite news|url=https://verticalmag.com/news/eagle-copters-obtains-u-s-faa-certification-for-the-eagle-single-html/?amp |access-date=6 June 2023 |title=Eagle Copters Obtains U.S. FAA Certification for the Eagle Single }}

Operators

File:Day-fire-helitack-01.jpg Handcrew and a Bell 212 on the Day Fire ]]

=Civil and government operators=

The Bell 212 is used by many private and commercial operators, it is particularly popular in the oil industries and for law enforcement use.

;{{CAN}}

Canadian Coast Guard - former operator of six 212s{{cite web|url = http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/e0001589|title = Coast Guard Rotary Wing Aircraft|access-date = 4 November 2012|last = Canadian Coast Guard|author-link = Canadian Coast Guard|date = 17 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130420003410/http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/e0001589|archive-date = 20 April 2013}}{{cite web|url= https://www.verticalmag.com/features/better-faster-stronger-canadian-coast-guards-new-helicopter-fleet/|title= Better, Faster, Stronger: The Canadian Coast Guard's new helicopter fleet|access-date= 15 July 2020|last= Johnson|first= Oliver|work= Vertical Magazine|date= 5 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180614070736/https://www.verticalmag.com/features/better-faster-stronger-canadian-coast-guards-new-helicopter-fleet/|archive-date= 14 June 2018|url-status= live}}

;{{BAN}}

Bangladesh Air Force operates 14 Bell 212

;{{BIH}}

State Investigation and Protection Agency

;{{CRO}}

Croatian Police{{Cite web|url=https://www.helis.com/database/org/Croatian-Police/cn|title=Policija Fleet|website=Helis.com}}

;{{COL}}

Policía Nacional de Colombia{{cite web|url=http://rwrwalker.ca/CF_twin_huey.html|title=CH-135 detailed list|work=rwrwalker.ca|access-date=17 April 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060544/http://rwrwalker.ca/CF_twin_huey.html|url-status=dead}}

;{{GRL}}

Air Greenland{{cite web|url=https://www.airgreenland.com/charter/fleet/bell-212|title=Bell 212|access-date=24 October 2019}}

;{{IRN}}

Iranian state{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/5/19/iran-helicopter-accident-live-president-fm-on-missing-aircraft |title=Iran helicopter crash live news: Rescuers find President Raisi's aircraft |date=May 19, 2024 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |work=Aljazeera |first=Ted |last=Regencia}}

;{{JPN}}

Japan Coast Guard{{cite web|url=http://flyteam.jp/photo/japan-coast-guard/Bell-212/518999|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218195627/http://flyteam.jp/photo/japan-coast-guard/Bell-212/518999|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 February 2013|title=Japan Coast Guard Bell-212|publisher=海上保安庁 2013 FlyTeam|access-date=22 January 2013}}

;{{MKD}}

Police of North Macedonia

File:Bell 212 Z3-HHB of the North Macedonian Police.jpg) flying over Skopje in 2008]]

;{{SRB}}

Serbian Police{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/yugo/serbia/pol/serbia-police-home.htm|title= Serbia Police Aviation |publisher= aeroflight.co.uk |access-date=14 January 2014}}

;{{SLO}}

Slovenian National Police{{cite web |url=http://www.policija.si/index.php/o-policiji/6309-helikopterji-in-oprema?lang= |title=Helikopterji in oprema |publisher=policija.si |access-date=23 November 2014 |archive-date=June 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608174523/http://www.policija.si/index.php/o-policiji/6309-helikopterji-in-oprema?lang= |url-status=dead }}

;{{THA}}

Royal Thai Police{{cite web|url=http://www.tpad.police.go.th/news1.php|title=Thai Police Aviation Division|work=police.go.th|access-date=17 April 2015|archive-date=17 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417030004/http://www.tpad.police.go.th/news1.php|url-status=dead}}

;{{USA}}

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department{{cite web|url=http://www.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/aviation/Aircraft_Operated.asp |title= Aircraft Operated |publisher= sbcounty.gov |access-date=26 July 2013}}
San Diego Fire Department{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/public-service/fire/73994.html#.UfQiSfnn-M8 |title=Dousing the Flames: San Diego Fire Department Air Ops Program |publisher=Access Intelligence, LLC |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225736/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/public-service/fire/73994.html#.UfQiSfnn-M8 |url-status=dead }}

Specifications (Bell 212)

File:Bell UH-1N Iroquois Drawing.svg

File:Cockpit Augusta Bell 212.jpg

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=Bell 212 Rotorcraft Flight ManualBell 212 Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-212IFR-FM-1 revision 3, 1 May 1998.

|prime units?=kts

|crew=1 (two for IFR operation)

|capacity=14 passengers

|length ft=57

|length in=1.68

|length note=

|width ft=

|width in=

|width note=

|height ft=12

|height in=6.83

|height note=

|wing area sqft=

|wing area note=

|airfoil=

|empty weight lb=6529

|empty weight note=

|gross weight lb=

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight lb=11200

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|more general=

|eng1 number=1

|eng1 name=Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3 or -3B

|eng1 type=coupled turboshaft engine

|eng1 shp=1800

|eng1 note=(TwinPac)

|rot number=1

|rot dia ft=48

|rot dia in=0

|rot area sqft=1809.5

|rot area note=

Blade Section: root: NACA 0010.8; tip: NACA 0005.4 mod{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}

|max speed kts=

|max speed note=

|cruise speed kts=100

|cruise speed note=

|never exceed speed kts=120

|never exceed speed note=

|range nmi=237

|range note=

|combat range nmi=

|combat range note=

|ferry range nmi=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling ft=17400

|ceiling note=

|climb rate ftmin=1745

|climb rate note=

|time to altitude=

|disk loading lb/sqft=6.19

|disk loading note=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=

|power/mass=

|more performance=

|avionics=

}}

Notable incidents

1982 Bristow Helicopters Bell 212 crash: On 14 September 1982, a medical evacuation helicopter flight operated by Bristow Helicopters crashed during the early hours of the morning in driving rain and poor visibility over the North Sea. All six crew members on board died when their aircraft plunged into the sea near the Murchison platform while trying to locate the Baffin Seal seismic survey vessel.{{Cite web |title=2/1984 Bell 212, G-BDIL, 14 September 1982 |url=https://www.gov.uk/aaib-reports/2-1984-bell-212-g-bdil-14-september-1982 |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}
2012 Rampayoh helicopter crash: On 20 July 2012, a Bell 212 helicopter of the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) crashed in the region of Kuala Belait,{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2012-07-21 |title=12 killed in Brunei helicopter crash |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/07/21/world/asia/brunei-helicopter-crash/index.html |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ngui |first=Yantoultra |date=2012-07-21 |editor-last=Popeski |editor-first=Ron |title=Brunei air force helicopter crash kills 12; 2 survive |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/brunei-air-force-helicopter-crash-kills-12-2-survive-idUSDEE86K03H/ |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=Reuters}} at Ulu Rampayoh in Mukim Labi. Twelve of the fourteen people on board were killed. The two survivors were in serious condition but recovered.{{Cite web |date=2012-07-22 |title=Brunei air force helicopter crash kills 12, two cadets survive |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/22/brunei-air-force-helicopter-crash-kills-12-two-cadets-survive/ |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=Borneo Post Online |language=en-US}}
2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash: On 19 May 2024, a Bell 212 helicopter operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, and the Supreme Leader's representative in East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem crashed near the Iranian city of Varzaqan, East Azerbaijan, killing all 8 people on board.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/raisi-iran-president-helicopter-crash/h_f56d9dc05b70138e1dacf0cfa1daa796|work=CNN|date=20 May 2024|title=Helicopter carrying Iranian President Raisi crashes, state media says|first=Jerome|last=Taylor |access-date=May 20, 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Zarracina |first=George Petras and Javier |title=Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi dies in Vietnam-era Bell 212 helicopter crash on mountain |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2024/05/20/iran-president-bell-212-helicopter-crash-ebrahim-raisi/73767283007/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}