– to conduct maritime surveillance, patrols, search-and-rescue

THE U.S. State Department has approved the possible foreign military sale of two Bell 412Epi and two Bell 429 helicopters to the Government of Guyana which will be used to conduct maritime surveillance and patrol, search and rescue, interdiction; counter narcotic trafficking and transnational criminal organisations.

According to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, the principal contractor will be Bell Helicopter Textron Incorporated (BHTI), Piney Flats, TN.
The defence agency approved the sale with a future acquisition option of up to US$256M. The sale is not finalised, as it depends on the final requirements of and acceptance by Guyana, says the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which notified the US Congress on October 30.
Public Affairs Officer of the United States Embassy here, Violeta Talandis told reporters on Saturday that negotiations for the sale of the helicopters began last year under the previous administration.

Meanwhile, Director General of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA), Lt. Col. (rt’d) Egbert Field told the Sunday Chronicle that the helicopters would assist Guyana in many ways, especially in the field of search and rescue.

The four light helicopters will have unspecified customer-unique modifications. The sales package also includes two WESCAM MX-10 cameras, mission equipment, contractor-provided pilot and maintainer training, ground support equipment and spares.

“Guyana will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defence; conduct maritime surveillance, patrol, and interdiction; counter narcotic trafficking and transnational criminal organizations; deter regional threats; and support coalition partners overseas,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency noted, adding, “Guyana will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”

The agency said there are no known offsets as part of the proposal.
The Bell 412Epi has a range of 672km and is a modernised, four-bladed version of the UH-1 Huey utility helicopter. It is often used for police roles, as well as offshore oil rig worker and military troop transportation.

The Bell 429 has a range of 41nm and is a four-bladed, twin-engined light utility helicopter. It is typically used for VIP transportation, medical evacuation, police roles, and offshore oil rig worker transportation.