The Critical Role of Bell’s Aircraft in Firefighting Efforts Throughout Europe
Around the globe, Bell’s aircraft play an essential role in the ever-increasing need for aerial firefighting. With the frequency of wildfires rising every year, and outbreaks becoming more unpredictable, securing a fleet of helicopters that deliver the best possible capabilities to control this life-threatening situation is critical.
Agrarflug Helilift GmbH & Co. KG, based in Germany, is a major operator of Bell aircraft in Europe and is an official Bell Customer Service Facility (CSF). This year, 60 percent of its fleet was involved in firefighting missions, with the majority operating in Europe.
Within Europe, the aircraft mainly conduct firefighting operations in Spain and Portugal, but when extreme temperatures caused wildfires to break out in Southeast Europe earlier this year, their machines were contracted out to this region for additional support.
Agrarflug Helilift estimates its fleet has accumulated over 5,000 flight hours in 2021 so far in the firefighting mission alone. One aircraft it uses for this purpose is the Bell 412.
“The 412 is the ideal solution for the firefighting mission,” said Dennis Beese, owner and CEO, Agrarflug Helilift. “With twin engines, a cabin spacious enough to accommodate 13 fire personnel and their specialist equipment, the 412 facilitates exceptional safety and flexibility. Its impressive performance and cargo hook capacity means it can do this while simultaneously lifting 1,200 to 1,500 litres of water. In addition, it’s reliability, speed and low noise means the Bell 412 is able to fulfil this demanding role with ease.”
Agrarflug Helilift’s 412s are used to transport water to extinguish and control fires, as well as transport personnel to critical areas for ground firefighting. The 412’s advanced capabilities means both operations can be conducted simultaneously whilst also carrying specialist equipment. The aircraft are equipped with specialized skids which enable firefighters to be dropped in inhospitable terrain.
“After more than 20 years dedicated to aerial work and firefighting in Bell helicopters, I find their products to offer exceptional results. In my 6,500 hours of accident-free flight hours operating Bell aircraft, I would summarise the product with two words: reliability and safety,” added José Rabal, pilot and instructor at Rotorsun, based in Águilas, Spain.
Joel Rabassedas, pilot at Rotorsun, has been a firefighting pilot for 13 years: “I have over 700 flight hours firefighting with the Bell 412 and find it’s the ideal machine for this operation. It has a large capacity to transport personnel and their tools and adapts well to any of Spain’s diverse terrain. What I like most is its high mechanical reliability - Bell is a very experienced manufacturer and that gives you a lot of peace of mind as a pilot.”
In Spain, Agrarflug Helilift’s aircraft typically operate anywhere between sea level and 8000 feet density altitude. This, in combination with Spain’s wide-ranging temperatures, means using a helicopter which offers both outstanding performance and reliability in any environment is essential, something the Bell 412 delivers on.
“The product not only offers the best solution for this mission, it’s also reinforced by Bell’s industry-leading support network,” added Beese. “The excellent technical product support service, availability of spare parts, training support and customer relations are fundamental to our operations and that’s why we have chosen to work with Bell for the past 45 years”.
About Bell
Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.
We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.
Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
You may also like
-
San Diego Fire-Rescue Adds SUBARU Bell 412EPX to Expand Public Safety Fleet
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has signed a purchase agreement for a SUBARU Bell 412EPX to advance firefighting operations
-
Bell Signs Purchase Agreement for First SUBARU Bell 412EPX to the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior
The aircraft will support medical transport, citizen evacuation, and assistance in the event of natural disasters and incidents.
-
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Accepts Delivery of New Bell 412EPI
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department, one of the leading law enforcement agencies in New Mexico’s most populous county, adds Bell 412EPI to aviation fleet