Black and Gold, All-Weather Helicopter Up for Grabs for Interested Buyers

GovDeals, the liquidation outlet for Government equipment put out to pasture, has an interesting aircraft on offer - a 2014 McDonnell Douglas 369E helicopter. 

The site has long been a home to those looking for off-the-wall, funky, utilitarian, and hard-wearing equipment, but the MD 369E here is in a fine fettle, sporting a stylish black and gold livery from its life in the Polk County Sheriff's department. The auction will run through December 12, with a starting bid of $1,000,000. Bids will increase in $15,000 increments, with a 5% buyer's premium too. The aircraft in particular sports a clean damage history, with all AD's and service bulletins complied with during its life by outside maintenance professionals in Lakeland, Florida.

The price for the helo may seem a bit steep compared to the average civilian MD-500, but this Sheriff's ride boasts a few additions suited to government work that aren't too common on the flight line. In its long list of installed equipment, buyers can find an Aero Computers UC-5300 digital mapping system, PA siren system, Technisonic TDFM-9000/NV digital FM transceiver, Spectrolab SX-5 Starburst searchlight, and a FLIR Systems Star SAFIRE 230-HD U9HD imaging system. Its installed avionics feature full synthetic vision, FLIR video display integration, HD monitors, radar altimeter, and a fully NVG-compatible interior.

“We are hopeful we will find a good home for this aircraft as it is still in great condition and will no doubt serve its next owner well for many years to come,” said Ashley Provenza, purchasing supervisor for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The aircraft will be the second 369E sold by the department, the last being a similarly well-sorted 2013 model. For maintenance records and the full details, equipment list, and more, Provenza has kindly included enough reading material to last a weekend. Some of the more boutique installed equipment is technically optional, and cannot be purchased piecemeal, the department is clear that it’s “all or nothing” to buy the full kit. 

FMI: www.govdeals.com