Florida’s Polk County orders two more Robinson police helicopters

Robinson Helicopter Company has received an order for two more R66 police helicopters for use by Florida’s Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), for delivery later in 2022.

The order comes less than a year after PCSO received delivery of its first R66 aircraft in April 2021.

The helicopters will offer speeds of up to 241km/h, with a useful load of 357kg. The four-seat helicopter will be equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks and impact resistant windshields, night vision goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit lighting, and a range of mission-specific equipment.

The aircraft will also feature a range of instruments, including Garmin G500H displays, AeroComputers moving map systems, Genesys HeliSAS Autopilots, Technisonic tactical radios, and a Wescam MX-10 camera system.

“We are adding a second and third R66 because of our confidence in the helicopter’s ability and functionality. It’s a great aircraft that has reduced our operating costs by nearly fifty percent,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.

Four helicopter deliveries at HAI Heli-Expo

Robinson has also confirmed that it will display four helicopters – an R66 Turbine, R44 Raven II, R44 Cadet and R66 Newscopter, at this year’s HAI Heli-Expo in Dallas (running between 7 and 10 March). All four aircraft have been purchased and will be delivered to their new owners following the convention.

Three (the R66 Turbine, R44 Raven II, and R66 Newscopter), will go to SKY Helicopters, Robinson’s dealer in Garland, Texas. The R44 Cadet meanwhile will be delivered to the University of North Dakota Aerospace and will be the sixth Cadet helicopter acquired by the university since 2016.