Huntington Beach police department purchases three new MD helicopters
US-based Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) signed a purchase agreement with MD Helicopters for three MD 530F helicopters in a law enforcement configuration
The purchase agreement was signed during a special ceremony attended by Alan Carr, sole Director of MDHI’s board of directors.
“We owe this renewed relationship to the hard work of our dedicated sales team, particularly Jason Lindauer, our Director of Commercial & Law Enforcement Sales,” Carr said.
Sgt. Jeff Goodspeed, HBPD Air Support Unit Supervisor, added: “Everyone here at the Huntington Beach Police Department is extremely excited to continue our 40 plus year relationship with MD Helicopters. Over the last year MDHI has done a great job of answering all of our questions and concerns, making sure we have a platform that is ready to meet the needs of our mission for the next 20 years.”
Custom package includes training program
The MD 530F is the latest model in the single-engine line. The updated helicopter incorporates a NVIS interior designed to enhance safety during night-time patrol, surveillance, and tactical operations. HBPD’s MD 530F will be custom configured with a full law enforcement package. In addition to the agreement to sell the department’s current aircraft and spares, the comprehensive fleet replacement package includes a training program specifically tailored to the department’s pilots and technicians.
Delivery of the first aircraft will occur in the first quarter of 2022. The second and third aircraft will be delivered later that year.
Recently, AirMed&Rescue spoke to Marc Brodeur, Vice-President of Commercial and Military Sales for MD Helicopters, about challenges and opportunities in the vertical lift marketplace, why versatility is essential for helicopter platforms, and what MD Helicopters has got planned for the future.