Spokane County to buy new police helicopter
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), in the US state of Washington, has announced that it is seeking a new helicopter
The police aircraft, which will be acquired as part of a $3.69 million deal known as the Helicopter Modernization Project, will be operated by the SCSO’s Spokane Regional Air Support Unit (SRASU).
The intention of the project is to replace the unit’s ageing helicopter fleet with more modern aircraft. SRASU’s current preference for the new aircraft is a Bell 505.
The new helicopter will have an expected delivery date of January 2025.
SRASU currently operates four helicopters – two Bell OH-58s, and two Bell 205 Super Hueys – all acquired through military and government surplus programs.
Under the project, parts from one of the OH-58s will be used to overhaul the other one. Additionally, one of the Super Hueys will be sold to fund the acquisition of the new helicopter – the sale is expected to bring in approximately $900,000.
An additional $500,000 of funds has also been secured through congressional appropriations from Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
The remaining $1.9 million needed will be acquired through a 10-year municipal finance option – split between Spokane County and Spokane Valley – amounting to contributions of approximately $100,000 per year from each entity.
Trakka Systems announced earlier this year that it would provide a Total Mission Solution Package to SCSO.