APSCON - Fort Lauderdale, FL (July 16, 2026) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the order for two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs by Texas A&M Forest Services, the lead wildfire and forest management organization in Texas. These will be the first Bell aircraft to join the Texas A&M Forest Service fleet as part of a master purchasing agreement, which includes options for additional aircraft. With these new additions, the agency will be enabled to better serve citizens and support rapid response times during critical missions across the state.
“The SUBARU Bell 412EPX is a modern and capable multi-mission solution that continues to deliver the power, flexibility, and dependability that operators need for critical missions,” said Lane Evans, Bell managing director, North American sales. “We’re proud to support Texas A&M Forest Service as they expand their aviation abilities to protect communities and natural resources across the state of Texas.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service provides air support to homeowners, forest landowners, local communities, and fire departments across Texas. As conservationists, the agency is dedicated to preserving forests and natural resources while protecting lives and property. The addition of these SUBARU Bell 412EPXs will support this mission by delivering rapid response and reliable performance. Each aircraft will also be equipped with a hoist for rescue operations and a belly tank for firefighting.
“Protecting lives and property is a priority in Texas,” said Jared Karns, Fire Chief for Texas A&M Forest Service. “This agreement is the first of many steps to develop a state-managed wildfire aviation program that will give Texas greater control over the timing, positioning, and deployment of fire suppression aircraft, helping keep Texas prepared.”
The SUBARU Bell 412EPX is a medium-twin engine helicopter designed to offer operational flexibility. It features an advanced avionics suite, an adaptable cabin, and capabilities suited for missions including public safety, firefighting, law enforcement, and medical operations. With a combined maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weights of 13,000lbs., and ability to carry 5,000 lbs. with a cargo hook, the aircraft has the ability to transport various mission equipment and brings great capability to operators around the globe.
To learn more about the SUBARU Bell 412EPX, visit the Bell product page and visit Bell at booth #101 during APSCON 2026.
ABOUT BELL
Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 90 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We're an aerospace and defense company that engineers and manufactures aircraft for critical solutions in extreme scenarios. We're breaking barriers in lifting people to safety across transportation, medical, rescue and military services, and leading the industry in future solutions that are fast, reliable and efficient. 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 INC.
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, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit:www.textron.com.
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