Bell Helicopter has announced that it has signed a contract with the New York Police Department for four Bell 429s. The new helicopters will be used for airborne law enforcement patrol, serving the people of New York City and surrounding jurisdictions. The twin-engine Bell 429s will replace the department’s fleet of AW119 Koalas. Additionally, the department operates two Bell 412EPs for a variety of missions ranging from search and rescue at sea, to gathering intelligence and combating terrorism.
“We are honored to count the NYPD among our law enforcement customers and we give our sincere thanks for their ongoing trust in Bell helicopters. We take great pride in continuing to provide New York’s finest with the reliable aircraft their missions demand so they can serve and protect their community,” said Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter’s executive vice president of sales and marketing.
The first 429 will be delivered by this summer with the final aircraft delivered by 2015. The aircraft are being completed into their law enforcement configuration by Bell’s own Customization Center in Piney Flats, Tenn.
Bell Helicopter has been a part of the NYPD since 1948 when it delivered a Bell 47, the first Bell helicopter to be used as part of an airborne law enforcement team. Since then, Bell Helicopter has strived to provide innovative product solutions and the best customer support and service to maintain its valued, long-standing relationship with the NYPD.
The Bell 429 delivers exceptional speed, range, hover performance and enhanced safety margins with a fully-integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system and best-in-class WAAS navigation and IFR capability. The Bell 429 has more cabin space than any other light twin helicopter, with flat flooring and seating for seven passengers and one flight crew. Wide 60-inch side doors and optional rear clam-shell doors provide quick and easy access for flight officers when every second counts.
There are now 154 Bell 429s in service with another 38 aircraft on order.
