According to a press release published by Kongsberg on December 8, 2021, Bell Textron Inc. announced its first Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) in Norway.

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Royal Norwegian Air Force's Bell 412 helicopter (Picture source: Flickr)

Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS) based in Kjeller, Norway, will provide aircraft maintenance services for the Bell 412 fleet, operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

KAMS has played a significant role in the Norwegian aviation industry since 1916 and is currently Strategic Partner to Royal Norwegian Air Force.

The company has extensive capabilities in repair, overhaul and modifications, and component testing for several military aircraft platforms. It also specialize in recycling spare part.

The Bell 412 is a utility helicopter of the Huey family manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It is a development of the Bell 212, with the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.

Development began in the late 1970s with two Bell 212s being converted into 412 prototypes. An advanced four-blade main rotor with a smaller diameter replaced the 212's two-blade rotor.

A Bell 412 prototype first flew in August 1979. The initial model was certified in January 1981 with deliveries commencing in the same month.