View Full Version : Australian Bell/AB 412s
Greetings All - Does anyone have any idea how many Bell/AB 412 there are in Oz? I've been working through the CASA aircraft registration site and having found 28 airframes, I was convinced I had found them all. Then Google found evidence of VH-NSC serial number 33029 but I can find no sign of this machine on CASA's site - potentially finger trouble on my part but I'm now wondering whether I've missed other airframes.
No hidden agenda on the particular airframe/operator, I'm looking at various aircraft types in various countries.
Thanks in advance.
TeeS
Ascend Charlie
2nd Dec 2017, 20:38
The rego says it all - National Security Council - finished about 20 years ago, machine would be somewhere else now?
Hi AC, I can see where she was at NSCA on helis.com, then she appears to have transferred to Ambulance Service of NSW and next SouthCare both apparently under CHC. The final mention is of her going to MKR Choppers Pty Ltd in April 17 and operated by Canberra Helicopters.
I'm not too fussed by her actual history, I am just trying to make sure that I haven't done a rubbish search on the CASA website and missed some other aircraft.
Cheers
TeeS
You got the all Tee. 28 total, 2 of them being Augusta built machines, the other 26 Bell. The two brand new 412's I flew in Oz many years ago ended up overseas, one destroyed in a hangar fire, the other derelict in a compound.
wrench1
3rd Dec 2017, 01:23
Tee:
Don't know if this will help... but I use it for research.
ROTORSPOT - Production list for Bell 412 (http://www.rotorspot.nl/product/b412.php)
ROTORSPOT - Production list for Agusta-Bell 412 (http://www.rotorspot.nl/product/ab412.php)
W1
gulliBell
3rd Dec 2017, 07:01
The rego says it all - National Security Council - finished about 20 years ago...
That would be National Safety Council, and they went kaput pre-1993, so that is 24+ years ago.
catseye
3rd Dec 2017, 08:00
Believe this is the new paint and logo on NSC. https://www.google.com.au/search?q=vh-nsc&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBAU697AU697&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=HVBtM6H7x1wXxM%253A%252CsbW_ww5lIXMgYM%252C_&usg=__RQsbsFa3lnLvMiISIAy349G9mdY%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjnqe7qvO3XAhUFUrwKHXjxDv4Q9QEIPDAD#imgrc=ZFDx342t EUwIbM:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DNrC4RRV4AAMpcl.jpg
gulliBell
3rd Dec 2017, 10:45
Interesting photo...if it was pre-1993 vintage ex NSC then it might not even be a -SP spec, but by the look of those engine exhaust stacks they belong on -DF engine. Makes me wonder if it's been pimped up with better kerosene burners than it originally had.
wrench1
3rd Dec 2017, 16:10
gulli:
FYI: If you're referring to the lack of straight exhaust deflectors... those are no longer factory procurable. Bell only offers the pictured version which are mfg'd by Alpine and replace all original ejector/deflector assys on 212, 412, and N model.
W1
Many thanks for all the pointers everyone - the Rotorspot links are great thanks wrench - I hadn't come across that one.
Cheers
TeeS
gulliBell
4th Dec 2017, 01:36
FYI: If you're referring to the lack of straight exhaust deflectors... those are no longer factory procurable...
Yes I was....so it might have an original -3 engine in it then.
w_ocker
4th Dec 2017, 09:26
Yep, she's a classic. I've a few very happy years in her...
Take note new operators... give me a yell??:O
gulliBell
4th Dec 2017, 11:50
Yep, she's a classic. I've a few very happy years in her...
The only classic 412 I ever flew was VH-NSB.
A classic 412 with a -3 engine at Canberra altitude in summer with a full belly tank...I bet the pilot needs to pedal hard to make that work.
I'll be in Canberra on the weekend, I'll look out for it.
wrench1
4th Dec 2017, 20:37
Yes I was....so it might have an original -3 engine in it then.
Yes, but they're -3B. The -3 were 212. It may also have a variant of the -3B like a BE or BG but I don't think the straight 412s could get a -3D as no reason for it. I believe a SP could get a -3D via a HP upgrade. But I've been out of the loop for a while.
W1
Ascend Charlie
4th Dec 2017, 20:39
If you've ever been in Horn Island, you will have had the privilege of flying B 412 serial number 1, VH-EMZ. Could barely pull a sailor off your sister.
havick
5th Dec 2017, 02:25
If you've ever been in Horn Island, you will have had the privilege of flying B 412 serial number 1, VH-EMZ. Could barely pull a sailor off your sister.
Was it repaired after bumping trees at night or did it finally get retired?
A classic 412 with a -3 engine at Canberra altitude in summer with a full belly tank...I bet the pilot needs to pedal hard to make that work.
Probably lift about as much as a Jetbox?