Faith Nyasuguta
The U.S. State Department has given a nod to a $100 million foreign military sale to Zambia, which will enhance the country’s military capabilities by supplying it with advanced helicopters and related support. The Pentagon announced the approval of the deal on Monday, which designates Bell Textron, a Texas-based company, as the primary contractor.
Under the agreement, Zambia will receive Bell 412 Enhanced Performance Exportable Medium-Lift Transport Helicopters, which are designed for peacekeeping missions, regional security tasks, disaster response, and humanitarian aid efforts. These helicopters are equipped with cutting-edge communication systems, navigation tools, weather radar, and transponder capabilities to support Zambia’s operations, particularly in remote areas with challenging weather conditions.
The deal also includes comprehensive training programs for pilots and maintenance personnel, technical assistance, and contractor field support. Zambia will also receive aviation ground support equipment, spare parts, specialized tools, and quality assurance inspections to ensure the longevity and performance of the helicopters.
The Bell 412 helicopters are capable of carrying up to 13 passengers and can lift an external load of 6,614 pounds (3,000 kilograms). The helicopters, measuring 56 feet 1 inch (17.09 meters) in length, including the rotors, stand at 15 feet (4.57 meters) tall. These medium-lift transport aircraft are ideal for Zambia’s diverse operational needs, from peacekeeping efforts to disaster relief and humanitarian missions across vast distances.
Helicopter Specifications (In Summary)
–Model: Bell 412 Enhanced Performance (EP)
–Passenger Capacity: Up to 13 passengers
-External Load Capacity: Approximately 6,614 pounds (3,000 kilograms)
-Length: 56 feet 1 inch (17.09 meters)
-Height: 15 feet (4.57 meters)
-Maximum Speed: 140 knots (160 mph, 260 km/h)
-Cruise Speed: 122 knots (140 mph, 226 km/h)
-Operational Range: 529 nautical miles (609 miles, 980 kilometers)
-Service Ceiling: 20,000 feet (6,100 meters)
-Rate of Climb: 1,350 feet per minute (6.9 meters per second)
Additional Package Components
-Radio Communication Systems
-Navigation Tools
-Weather Radar
-Transponder Capabilities
-Training Programs for Pilots and Maintenance Personnel
-Technical Assistance
-Contractor Field Support
-Aviation Ground Support Equipment
-Spare Parts and Specialized Tools
-Quality Assurance Inspections
-Air Freight Delivery
Currently, Zambia ranks 81st in the world for military aircraft strength, with a fleet of 77 aircraft, according to Global Firepower. This new addition to Zambia’s fleet will improve the country’s ability to operate in various missions and enhance its overall military strength.
In comparison, Egypt holds the largest air fleet in Africa, with 1,093 aircraft, followed by Algeria with 608 and Angola with 298. The U.S. military aid is expected to play a crucial role in Zambia’s ability to address regional security challenges and enhance its peacekeeping capabilities across the continent.
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