San Diego County acquires new rotorcraft

Subaru Bell 412EPX

California’s San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has unveiled two new helicopters – a Bell 412EPX and a Bell 407GXi

The Bell 412EPX, which cost approximately $15.7 million, according to a report by the Ramona Sentinel newspaper, is equipped for night-time operations.

The twin-engine aircraft will be used to boost aerial firefighting and rescue provision in the region. It will replace one of the Sheriff’s Departments’ existing Bell 205s, which is due to be retired.

The $5.5 million Bell 407GXi will be used to track suspects, as well as participating in search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to accept a $3.75 million federal grant to support the purchase of new firefighting aircraft earlier this month.