Will Expand Mission Capability

The Placer County Sheriff's Department took delivery of an AS350B3 helicopter from American Eurocopter this week (like the bird that summitted Everest some time ago... shown below). This delivery marks the department's move from military surplus to a multi-mission helicopter that will be used for a variety of law enforcement, firefighting and search & rescue missions.

"We needed a new aircraft with new technology that would provide us with more capability," said Sgt. Van Bogardus, Chief Pilot, Placer County Sheriff's Department. "We had an extensive review and evaluation process, and we chose the AS350B3."

Placer County is 1400 square miles of diverse geography ranging from the suburbs east of Sacramento to the High Sierra Mountains and Lake Tahoe. The Sheriff's Department is required to fly at altitudes from 100 feet above sea level to over 10,000 feet above sea level, so they needed a helicopter with the performance to match various flight profiles.

"When we looked at all of the things we needed out of an aircraft, the AS350B3 was the best option," continues Sgt. Bogardus. "It provides us with the combination of performance and flexibility we need, plus the lift capacity and hoist capability to perform our expanding mission profile."

American Eurocopter has maintained 59% of the medium single-engine turbine helicopter market in law enforcement applications for the past 10 years. Powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 engine, the AS350B3 offers hot and high performance with an increased maximum gross weight and the added safety of dual hydraulics. The large cabin space and flexibility allow for a variety of configurations to meet a wide range of mission needs. "This new helicopter will allow us to enhance our mission capabilities and greatly increase the types of services we provide to the residents of Placer County and the surrounding regions," finishes Sgt. Bogardus.

The Placer County Sheriff's AS350B3 will be heading to Hangar One Avionics for completion and will enter into law enforcement service later this year.

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com