MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) held a ceremonial delivery of a new MD 500E helicopter for the Polk County, Florida Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). The acceptance took place at the MD Helicopters booth, where the aircraft was proudly displayed at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) exposition, in Phoenix, Ariz.
“We are honored to deliver a second MD 500E to expand the mission capabilities of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit,” said Craig Kitchen, Chief Commercial Officer of MDHI. “The 500E offers outstanding speed, agility, low operating costs and unmatched versatility to enable safe and efficient airborne law enforcement missions. We look forward to providing exceptional support to the PCSO and are pleased to showcase this renowned aircraft at the ALEA show, near our home base in Mesa.”
“The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is proud to take delivery of this exceptional MD 500E aircraft,” said Rob Oakman, Captain at PCSO. “This newest addition to our fleet has been equipped to significantly increase our support capabilities to ground units with pursuits, backup, surveillance, and search and rescue missions.”
The new aircraft is the second MD 500E delivery to the PCSO, continuing their modernization plan of remaining OH-58 aircraft. The helicopter will be equipped with a 420-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C20B turbine engine and a complete law enforcement performance package. The MD 500E cockpit configuration will include a full complement of modern avionics with NVG lighting, a Garmin G500H glass cockpit, an AeroComputers moving map system and a Technisonic tactical radio. Utility features include a Meeker mount, Nightsun searchlight, 2,000 lb. cargo hook, auxiliary fuel tank and wire strike protection kit.
Equipped with seven full-time pilots and 10 part-time flight officers, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit began back in 1972, when it started with two fixed-wing aircraft. Helicopters were added to the aviation unit in 1982.
