Philippines receives final Bell utility helicopter

MANILA, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Bell Helicopter Canada reports it delivered the eighth and final 412EP aircraft ordered by the Philippine Department of National Defense.

The helicopter was delivered on Monday at Villamor Air Base in Manila.

"We are proud to deliver the final of eight Bell 412EP aircraft today -- three months ahead of schedule and, as promised, in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in November," said Sameer A. Rehman, managing director of Bell Helicopter, Asia Pacific. "Bell Helicopter has played an important role in the Philippines' national defense for six decades, and it is a profound privilege to continue this relationship and serve the DND for decades to come."

The Bell 412EP is a twin-engine utility helicopter with a dual digital automatic flight control system, a cruise speed of 122 knots and a range of 357 nautical miles.

The eight aircraft were procured by the Philippines through government-to-government contracting support from the Canadian Commercial Corporation.