Texas A&M Forest Service has ordered two Subaru Bell 412EPXs from Bell Textron, the first Bell aircraft to join the agency's fleet. The order sits within a master purchasing agreement between the two organisations, which includes options for additional aircraft.

Each helicopter will be equipped with a hoist for rescue operations and a belly tank for firefighting, for use in the agency's wildfire and forest management missions across Texas. The Texas A&M Forest Service provides air support to homeowners, forest landowners, local communities and fire departments across the state.

Lane Evans, Bell managing director, North American sales, says: “The Subaru Bell 412EPX is a modern and capable multi-mission solution that continues to deliver the power, flexibility and dependability that operators need for critical missions.”

Jared Karns, fire chief for Texas A&M Forest Service, adds: “This agreement is the first of many steps to develop a state-managed wildfire aviation programme that will give Texas greater control over the timing, positioning and deployment of fire suppression aircraft, helping keep Texas prepared.”

The Subaru Bell 412EPX is a medium-twin engine helicopter with an advanced avionics suite and adaptable cabin, suited to public safety, firefighting, law enforcement and medical operations. The aircraft has a combined maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, an external weight of 13,000 lbs and can carry up to 5,000 lbs with a cargo hook, allowing it to transport a range of mission equipment.