Which country was the Bell 212 originally designed for?

Short answer

Canada. The Bell 212 grew out of the UH-1N, which emerged from 1968 negotiations between the Canadian Forces and Bell Helicopter over a new utility helicopter; the Canadian Forces wanted a stretched Bell 205, but twin-engined for safety, and approved development on 1 May 1968.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Which country was the Bell 212 originally designed for?

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A Canadian requirement

Based on the stretched fuselage of the Bell 205, the Bell 212 was originally developed for the Canadian Forces as the CUH-1N, later redesignated CH-135. The UH-1N emerged from negotiations held in 1968 between the Canadian Forces and Bell Helicopter over a new utility helicopter. The Canadian service wanted it based on the stretched-fuselage Bell 205, with which it already had experience, but powered by a pair of engines for a higher level of safety. The Canadian Forces approved development of the aircraft on 1 May 1968.

The powerplant

The choice of that engine, the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T turboshaft, was reportedly due to political factors. The 212 is powered by a PT6T-3 Twin-Pac, made up of two coupled PT6 power turbines driving a common gearbox.

Canadian service

The initial version was the CUH-1N Twin Huey, later the CH-135 Twin Huey, first ordered by the Canadian Forces in 1968. The CH-135 Twin Huey was regularly used as a tactical transport, moving troops and equipment through the forward areas of a combat zone, and it also flew medical evacuation missions.