RTAF Decommissioned Two Bell 412 Helicopter

22 Oktober 2021

Succeed in all mission 1982-2021, Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) held Farewell and Decommissioning ceremony for its Bell 412 Twin and Bell 412HP helicopters of 202nd Squadron, Wing 2 Lop Buri in 19 October 2021 (photos : RTAF)

Decommissioning ceremony for Type 6 helicopters (local named)  Bell 412 Twin helicopters and Bell 412HP/Bell 412SP, Squadron 202, Wing 2, Khok Krai, Lopburi Province Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) officially conduct on October 19, 2021.

It followed almost a month after the Royal Thai Air Force formally decommissioned the helicopter Type 6 Bell UH-1H Huey at Squadron 203, Wing 2, officially on September 23, 2021.

Two helicopters Bell 412 Twin helicopters, registered helicopters 6K-1/25 and helicopters 6K-2/25, were put into service in the year 1982 which the Royal Thai Air Force used to offer as a Royal Helicopter stationed in Squadron 203, Wing 2.

Later, there were 2 helicopter helicopters Bell 412SP and 1 Bell 412HP, total 3 helicopters in 1991, registration H.6C-1/34, H.6C-2/34 and H.6C-3/34 by the Royal Thai Air Force dedicated as Royal Vehicle. The other two were backup helicopters that year 1992.

After the acquisition of the Bell 412SP/Bell 412HP helicopter in 1991, the Royal Thai Air Force has downgraded the Bell 412 helicopter to a backup helicopter and transport helicopter to support missions by changing the color of the machine from white and blue to camouflage color SEA (South East Asia).

In 1997, the Royal Thai Air Force has transferred all helicopters Bell 412 and helicopters Bell 412SP/HP from Squadron 203 to Squadron 201, Royal Guard Squadron 2, replacing the helicopter Sikorsky S-58T that retired.

Then in the year 1998, the Royal Thai Air Force has provided 4 helicopters of the Bell 412EP, the amount of 4 machines by bowing to His Majesty the King as a helicopter of the Royal Vehicles. Subsequently procured 2 more machines in 2003, totaling 6 machines in service in the 201 Squadron, Royal Guard Wing 2.

The Royal Thai Air Force used to supply 3 helicopters Eurocopter AS332L-2 Super Puma, in 1996 as a Royal Vehicle. But there was an accident in Narathiwat, 1 machine in 1997, the remaining 2 machines were retired in that year 2005.

In 2020, the Royal Thai Air Force has transferred all Bell 412 family helicopters from the 201 Royal Guard Squadron to the 202 Squadron. that re-established after decommissioning the helicopter Bell 206B Jet Ranger in 2006.

At present, the 202 Squadron, Wing 2 still has Bell 412EP, 6 units stationed, together with Airbus H135, 6 units that have been delivered in 2021.

Two Bell 412 helicopters and two Bell 412SP helicopters and one Bell 412HP helicopter who have been in service for a total period of time 39 years (1982-2021) has served as a helicopter under the Royal mission and helping people for a long time. It's time to say goodbye.

(AAG)