Aircraft Customized For Law Enforcement Role

The Devon & Cornwall Police took delivery of a new EC145 helicopter last Friday. The helo, ordered in September 2007, replaces another Eurocopter helicopter, a BK117 which has seen service for over 12 years. The Devon and Cornwall Police have operated helicopters in support of police activities for more than 25 years.

The Devon & Cornwall Constabulary says the introduction of this new EC145 into service represents a major development for the department. It is capable of 2 crew operation, a pilot and an observer, the latter of which can operate either out of the cockpit or in the cabin of the helicopter.

The helo was customized at Eurocopter UK in Oxford to meet the needs of the modern police service. Among the special equipment installed is a state-of-the-art IR camera, video viewing and recording equipment, and night vision goggles.

Eurocopter claims 75% of the UK police helicopter fleet in service and are in wide use across Europe. The EC145 is used to perform police and homeland security missions, and is also operated by the Metropolitan Police. It is also being delivered to the U.S. Army as its new-generation Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).

Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK, stated, “It is a pleasure to see the UK police force community moving forward and shaping the future. Our products and services which have become the backbone of the UK air support for many decades will be ready to accompany the evolutions of our customers’ needs.”

FMI: www.eurocopter.com