NYPD orders two new helicopters
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has placed an order with Bell Textron for the supply of two Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopters in search and rescue (SAR) configuration, for use by its Aviation Unit
The helicopters will join NYPD’s existing aircraft fleet, which features a number of other Bell Textron products, including two Bell 412Eps, a Bell 407 and four Bell 429.
“As one of the first airborne law enforcement divisions in the world, the NYPD’s Aviation Unit performs air/sea search-and-rescue missions, tactical support, port security, counterterror operations, patrol functions, and more,” NYPD Deputy Inspector Louis Soviero, Commanding Officer of the Aviation Unit. “This critical work deeply depends on the performance and reliability of our aircraft – and the NYPD is fully confident that today’s additions will improve our fleet and enhance our public-safety mission.”
The Bell 412EPX is powered by twin 1,120shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-9 engines, and has a maximum take-off weight of 5,530kg internally, and almost 5,900kg with an external load. The aircraft is equipped with a BasiX Pro avionics suite and an external cargo hook.
The 412EPX has become a popular choice for aerial law enforcement operations since its certification in 2018, with customers such as the Japanese Coast Guard and California’s Ventura County both placing orders for the aircraft this year.
NYPD’s Lieutenant Antonio Hernandez spoke to Mandy Langfield about the Aviation Unit’s operations in the July issue of AirMed&Rescue.
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.