Bell Textron has transferred an upgraded Bell 212 medium utility helicopter to the Royal Thai Navy under a program aimed at extending the aircraft’s operational lifespan.
The refurbishment was conducted at Bell’s Asia Service Center in Singapore and included updates to the fuel system, avionics, and exterior paint, as well as other modifications designed to enhance performance, safety, and mission readiness.
During a defense and security event in Bangkok, Bell presented a personalized crystal plaque to the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Airport Service to commemorate the upgrade effort.
Bell 212 Overview
First introduced in 1968, the Bell 212 has long served in roles such as transport, aerial firefighting, and law enforcement.
Nearly 900 units were produced before the platform was succeeded by its modern evolution, the twin-engine Bell 412.
The helicopter has an overall length of 57 feet (17 meters) and a rotor diameter of 48 feet (15 meters). Operated by two crew members, it can accommodate up to 14 passengers.
Equipped with a 1,800-horsepower engine, the aircraft reaches a top speed of 120 knots (138 miles/222 kilometers per hour), features a service ceiling of 17,400 feet (5,304 meters), and offers a range of approximately 230 nautical miles (265 miles/426 kilometers).
A total of 20 militaries worldwide currently field the Bell 212, primarily for training, logistics, and humanitarian missions.
