Texas DPS expands fleet with Bell 407GXi order

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has signed a purchase agreement for a Bell 407GXi, according to an announcement by Bell Textron during the annual VAI Verticon conference.

The aircraft will join the Department’s Aircraft Operations Division fleet, which supports statewide air patrol, criminal surveillance, and rescue missions across Texas. The division currently operates a Bell 412EP as part of its aviation capability.

Texas DPS and Bell have worked together for decades, with the partnership dating back to 1948 when the Department established its first aviation fleet using two Bell 47 helicopters.

“Over 50 years ago, Texas DPS chose Bell as its first public safety use rotorcraft. Today, Bell is honored to continue that relationship with the Department as they expand their public safety mission capabilities in a Bell 407GXi across the state of Texas,” said Lane Evans, Managing Director of North America sales at Bell.

“The addition of this Bell aircraft to our fleet represents a significant investment in our operational reliability and public safety missions,” said Stacy Holland, Chief Pilot of the Texas DPS Aircraft Operations Division.

The Bell 407GXi features advanced avionics, cargo hook capability, and a spacious cabin designed to support a range of public safety operations.

Bell recently signed a memorandum of understanding with TEREM Holding Bulgaria to cooperate and mutually support a fleet of six Bell 206 helicopters owned by the Bulgarian Air Force.