I operate 412's on Mountain and Maritime SAR, I agree the whistles and bells are dated. even on the new ones we operate. But!
Overall It's a reliable workhorse with no hangar queen tendencies. And spends a lot less time being maintained than our Dauphins. The rearcrew prefer it, and I don't know of any of the Bell drivers with their hand up to move to the Dauphin service. The few that changed over, did it for schedule purposes more than equipment choice, and all regret the move. Schedules aside!
We operate in a region of high winds and mountainous terrain, and the Dauphin TR control issues can be a problem in winch ops.
The Dauphin is perhaps better in EMS operations, speed etc. Perhaps better within it's class for longer range maritime ops. where you can more easily be assured of getting the wind in the right place. In a tight ravine with only one possible position. It's my choice to stay with the Bell.
I'm not saying the 412 is the only solution. or the best overall machine. But it does a good job in our application and shouldn't be discounted as a possible entrant in the proposed service.
170'