New police helicopters for Pasadena, California
The two Bell 505s will be fitted with a range of equipment to support the Pasadena Police Department’s law enforcement operations
Pasadena Police Department, in the US state of California, has placed an order for two Bell 505 helicopters to support its public safety and law enforcement operations.
The helicopters will be used by the Department’s Air Operations Section to provide air support to the city of Pasadena, as well as other municipalities throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
The Bell 505s complement the Department’s existing Bell 206Bs, already in operation.
The rotorcraft feature WESCAM MX-10 electro-optical and infrared imaging systems, tactical map capabilities, a night vision-compatible cockpit, a searchlight, and real-time video transmission.
“These aircraft give our Air Operations Section the enhanced capabilities needed to support officers on the ground, improve response times, and provide critical aerial support,” said Gene Harris, Police Chief of Pasadena.
Bell Textron also recently announced the sale of a Bell 407GXi to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.