Huntington Beach Police Department takes delivery of MD 530F helicopter
First of three aircraft arrives in California, replacing ageing fleet of MD 520Ns
MD Helicopters has confirmed the delivery of its first MD 530F helicopter to Huntington Beach Police Department, with two more to come.
A special ceremony took place at the MD Helicopters factory before the helicopter was flown to its new California location.
Eric Parra, Chief of Police for Huntington Beach, said: “The Huntington Beach Police Department is excited to continue with the ongoing operation of MD Helicopters in our Air Support Unit.
“These new helicopters will continue to ensure the finest service for police officers and citizens in the cities of Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.”
The trio of MD 530F helicopters are replacing an ageing fleet of MD 520Ns. The next two aircraft are scheduled for delivery in March and April 2023.
Each helicopter is custom configured with a full law enforcement package, crash-resistant fuel tanks, and an advanced NVIS interior designed to enhance safety during night-time patrol, surveillance and tactical operations. Upgraded glass cockpit avionics feature the Garmin G500TXi Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), Howell Instruments Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert Systems (EICAS), and Garmin GTN 750 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS.
The purchase agreement included a full fleet replacement package, including MD Helicopters facilitating the sale of the department’s current aircraft, offloading NOTAR-specific spares, as well as providing a comprehensive training program specifically tailored to pilots and technicians.