AS350 is Helicopter of Choice for Oklahoma Law Enforcement Agencies
(PRWEB) February 25, 2014 -- Airbus Helicopters Inc. announced that the police departments of Oklahoma City and Tulsa have purchased AS350-series helicopters to upgrade their fleets, increasing to three the number of major Oklahoma law enforcement agencies operating Airbus Helicopters products.
The Oklahoma City Police Department ordered two AS350B3e helicopters to replace their current fleet of patrol helicopters and to increase the types of missions performed by their helicopters.
“In addition to patrol missions, the new AStars will improve our ability to conduct tactical missions with our SWAT Team and also deploy water buckets for joint firefighting missions with the Oklahoma City Fire Department,” said Lt. Darla Woodruff, of the Oklahoma City air support unit. “The AS350B3e offers the power to perform a wider variety of missions than we were able to conduct with our current fleet.”
The Tulsa Police Department ordered one AS350B2 to begin the process of replacing their fleet of two patrol helicopters. “We selected the AStar to upgrade our fleet due to its versatility and reliability,” said Sgt. Nick Cory, of the Tulsa Police Department Aviation Unit. “We were especially impressed with the power and tail rotor authority of the AS350B2.”
The recent purchases by Oklahoma City and Tulsa are in addition to the purchase of an AS350B3e by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol back in late 2012.
The AS350-series has become the helicopter of choice for law enforcement agencies in the U.S., with more than 200 now in-service. The AStar is known for its performance, reliability and multi-mission flexibility. The helicopters are powered by Turbomeca Arriel engines that deliver high cruise speed and reliability, along with low direct operating costs.
“The purchase of these helicopters by Oklahoma City and Tulsa is testament to the increased performance AS350-series helicopters provide for law enforcement operators,” said Ed Van Winkle, Sales Manager for Airborne Law Enforcement for Airbus Helicopters Inc. “The new Oklahoma AStar fleet will provide these law enforcement agencies with reliable platforms to conduct a wide range of missions throughout the state.”
About Airbus Helicopters Inc.
Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) is the U.S. affiliate of Airbus Helicopters, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of the Airbus Group. Airbus Helicopters Inc. is a manufacturer, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and parapublic helicopters offered in the U.S. The product line represents the industry’s most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters serving all markets and missions. The company’s headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, Texas with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss.
Bob Cox, Airbus Helicopters Inc., http://www.airbushelicoptersinc.com, +1 (972) 641-3525, [email protected]
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