Bell and PT Black Diamond Heliaero Completes Avionics Upgrade For Six Indonesian Army Aviation Bell 412EP Helicopters
Dallas, Texas (March 13, 2025) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that six Bell 412EP helicopters modernized with its BasiX-Pro Glass Cockpit Retrofit Kit have been delivered to the Indonesian Army Aviation.
The upgrade, delivered by PT. Black Diamond Heliaero (BDH), a Bell Authorized Maintenance Center in Indonesia, provides the Indonesian Army Aviation with a state-of-the-art flight deck, high-resolution displays as well as engine data and flight operation recording for their Bell 412EP helicopters. The upgrade improves the fleet’s performance by reducing pilot workload and improving situational awareness, marking a pivotal advancement in operational efficiency.
“Our successful collaboration with Bell’s aftermarket teams allowed us to complete this important project for the Indonesian Army Aviation on an accelerated timeline,” said Karina Kasih, President Director, BDH. “We look forward to continuing our work with Bell to provide innovative and effective solutions for the Indonesian Army Aviation Bell helicopter fleet.”
The Bell BasiX-Pro Glass Cockpit Retrofit Kit replaces analog instruments with a fully integrated glass cockpit system, utilizing current Bell production displays from Astronautics and Garmin avionics. This retrofit incorporates the latest technology and instrumentation, aligning with the systems found in the current SUBARU Bell 412EPX and Bell 429 aircraft.
“This avionics upgrade gives the Indonesian Army Aviation a modernized digital cockpit that enhances mission capabilities for their Bell 412EPs as they support critical national needs,” said Chris Schaefer, vice president, Global Customer Solutions, Bell. "We are proud of the initial positive feedback regarding how these helicopters with the newly retrofitted systems are already enhancing Army operations in diverse terrain at high altitudes and in rapidly changing weather conditions.”
Bell has been present in Indonesia for more than 50 years with an estimated 110 aircraft currently in operation with both government and commercial organizations. Bell’s presence includes a Bell-authorized service facility, a certified maintenance facility and dedicated customer service engineers located in Jakarta.
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.
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