Fairfax County Police Helicopter Division upgrades with latest TrakkaBeam Xenon TLX

Fairfax County Police Helicopter Division, in the US state of Virginia recently upgraded to the latest TrakkaBeam Xenon TLX high-intensity models for their two Bell 429 helicopters: Fairfax 1 and Fairfax 2.

Covering 400 square miles, Fairfax County Police provides critical air support to 1.2 million residents, for a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, medical evacuations (medevacs), and assisting ground units in apprehending suspects.

Advanced features of the upgraded TLX models:

• Superior beam profile: the custom-built optics deliver an efficient and even beam, eliminating the “black hole” effect and providing consistent target visibility
• Multi-mission functionality: the TrakkaBeam includes a unique in-flight, multi-filter system, allowing officers to instantly switch between various filters, from covert infrared (visible with night vision goggles) to ultra-violet, amber, red or blue light depending on the situation
• Durability and reliability: the TrakkaBeam system undergoes rigorous testing to ensure peak performance and that it withstands harsh weather conditions. Its design minimizes maintenance needs and has the industry’s highest proven mean time between failures (MTBF).

Alongside the TrakkaBeam searchlight, the tactical flight officers (TFOs) utilize gyro-stabilized electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, providing them with a powerful combination of visible and infrared imagery. This allows them to see through darkness, smoke, and other obscurants, further enhancing their ability to gather critical information during missions. The use of advanced mission mapping systems provides real-time geographic information, allowing TFOs to navigate complex environments, track moving targets, and share vital data with ground units.

Fairfax County’s Andrew Edgerton recently won the 2024 Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award from the Helicopter Association International (HAI).