Bell 212 FastFin gains FAA approval
BLR Aerospace has announced an FAA-certified performance increase for its Bell 212 FastFin System. The certification will bring improved safety and performance for helicopters fitted with the equipment.
According to BLR Aerospace, the FAA approved a Flight Manual Supplement (FMS) certifying up to 500 pounds of additional out-of-ground effect hover performance for Bell 212s equipped with FastFin. BLR Aerospace expects the same approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
BLR Aerospace claims that with the FastFin System, most Bell 212 operators will increase their useful load between 10% and 15%.
Installation of the FastFin Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System kit involves modifying a helicopter tailboom with two parallel strips, and reshaping the vertical fin to optimize airflow around the tailboom. This field installed kit delivers a range of important benefits to operators who fly the modified aircraft.
According to the company more than 75 FastFin Systems have been sold for Bell 412 helicopters since the system was FAA certified in July 2010.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Argentina orders Bell 407s for military search and rescue missions]()
Argentina orders Bell 407s for military search and rescue missions
Argentina is to acquire six Bell 407 helicopters for search and rescue operations by the country's army and air force under a government-to-government contract with Canada.
-
![Sikorsky awaits UK New Medium Helicopter requirements to unveil production plans, explores new X2 design]()
Sikorsky awaits UK New Medium Helicopter requirements to unveil production plans, explores new X2 design
Sikorsky has yet to reveal its production plans for its UK New Medium Helicopter contender while industry anxiously anticipate the release of critical acquisition targets. The company also continues the exploration of its X helicopter concept for the international market.
-
![CH-47F Chinook Block II reaches final assembly line as wider programme moves forward]()
CH-47F Chinook Block II reaches final assembly line as wider programme moves forward
The Block II upgrade incorporates various enhancements to increase lift capability and commonality between US Army and allied fleets, reducing maintenance costs.
-
![Uruguay's African peacekeepers to receive new support helicopter]()
Uruguay's African peacekeepers to receive new support helicopter
The donation of a utility helicopter by the UA will increase the Uruguayan peacekeeping deployment’s air support capabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
-
![Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight]()
Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight
On April 22, 2023, Turkish Aerospace’s T-625 GOKBEY general-purpose helicopter conducted a test flight with an indigenous TEI-TS1400 engine for the first time.
-
![Canada to upgrade AW101 rescue helicopters in-country under Leonardo-IMP deal]()
Canada to upgrade AW101 rescue helicopters in-country under Leonardo-IMP deal
Canada's IMP Aerospace will carry out upgrades on 13 of the 16 AW101 aircraft covered by the CMLU programme under a sub-contract from Leonardo Helicopters UK.
