LifePort Receives FAA STC for Bell 412EP Ballistic Protection

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LifePort, a Sikorsky company, has been granted an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to equip the Bell 412EP aircraft with a Ballistic Protection System (BPS).

System benefits include:

• 30% lighter weight than other systems
• NIJ Level III multi-hit ballistic protection
• Combat proven in harsh environments
• Various durability levels to accommodate even the most challenging missions
• Passes both 12-second (complying with FAR.29.853) and 60-second vertical burn tests
• Complies with MIL-STD-810 Rev. G

LifePort provides standard Bell 412 armor configurations for the cockpit floor, crew seats, cabin floor, and crew side wall areas.  Ballistic Protection Systems (BPS) can be customized to meet ballistic threat levels, areas of vulnerability, and mission profiles.

“We are pleased to once again work with Bell Helicopter to successfully design and certify a ballistic protection system (BPS) for one of their platforms.  LifePort’s lightweight BPS for the Bell 412EP provides operators with a high level of protection while not compromising the aircraft’s operational capabilities,” said LifePort General Manager Noah Zuckerman.  “This FAA STC is yet another example of successful collaboration between LifePort and Bell Helicopter.  It continues our collective track record of innovation and capability enhancement for those flying into harm’s way.”

LifePort specializes in the design, integration, and certification of lightweight armor solutions for both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft.  LifePort armor systems maximize mission safety while limiting the impact to aircraft weight and capability.  From local and federal law enforcement, to the armed forces including special operations missions, LifePort armor systems provide protection for both military and public service personnel worldwide.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.