Connect with us

News

Details Of The US-Made Bell 212 Helicopter That Killed Iranian President

Crashed Bell 212 helicopter estimated to be at least 30 years old, with Iranian military believed to possess 10 more of its type

Published

on

A file photo dates August 27, 2021 shows Iranian President Raisi during his visit to Azadegan and Hur al-Azim regions of Iran.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was on a US-made Bell 212 helicopter on Sunday when the aircraft crashed near the northwestern city of Tabriz.

Neither Raisi, nor any members of his accompanying delegation, emerged from the wreckage of the helicopter, which Iran procured decades ago from the US before the 1979 Iranian revolution.

The Bell 212 was first manufactured in Fort Worth, Texas, before its factory was moved to the Canadian city of Mirabel, Quebec in 1988, with production ceasing in 1998.

Although the aircraft made its first flight in 1968 for military purposes, its durability and ease of use made an good choice for civilian transportation.

Advertisement

The Bell 212 has the capacity to carry up to 15 passengers, including the pilot.

It can serve in firefighting missions, as well as cargo transport and armed reconnaissance.

Raisi’s helicopter was reportedly modified to carry 15 passengers.

Technical specifications

The Bell 212, which can be flown with either one or two pilots, is 17.41 meters (about 57 feet) long, with a height of 3.83 meters from the ground.

Advertisement

It weighs 2,962 kilograms (6,525 pounds) when empty, with a maximum takeoff weight of 5,080 kilograms and is powered by a 1,300-kilowatt engine with two rotors, each 14.63 meters long.

The helicopter normally flies at a speed of 118 miles per hour (190 kilometers) but can reach up to 137 miles per hour in combat flight.

Related Content:  Latest: What We Know So Far About The Helicopter Crash That Was Carrying Iran’s President

It can travel up to 273 miles and operate at a maximum altitude of 17,388 feet.

Maintenance, spare parts shortages

Iran has faced difficulties maintaining US-made weapons and vehicles due to years of embargoes that have also caused spare part shortages.

Advertisement

The crashed Bell 212 helicopter is estimated to be at least 30 years old and it is believed that Iran’s military have 10 of its type in its inventory.


Kenya Insights allows guest blogging, if you want to be published on Kenya’s most authoritative and accurate blog, have an expose, news TIPS, story angles, human interest stories, drop us an email on [email protected] or via Telegram
Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Most Popular