October 2, 2010:
Pakistan has ordered another 30 Bell 412 helicopters, for about $13.3 million each. The 5.3 ton Bell 412 transport helicopters looks like the Vietnam era UH-1. That's because the 412 is an updated version of the Bell 212 and earlier Bell 205, which was a civilian version of the 1960s era U.S. Army UH-1 ("Huey"). The 412 entered service in 1981 and nearly 900 have been built so far. The twin engine helicopter normally carry twelve troops, and no weapons. Over fifty nations use the 412 as a military transport. Pakistan already has 23 412s, which it received three years ago. The 412 has a top speed of 259 kilometers an hour, a cruising speed of 226 kilometers an hour and endurance of about three hours per sortie.