Two new police helicopters for Pasadena, California
The new rotorcraft, due for delivery in mid-2027, will reduce operating and maintenance costs
The city council of Pasadena, California, has authorized the purchase of two new helicopters worth $12.6 million, for use by the Pasadena Police Department.
The helicopters, which will be configured for aerial policing operations, will be partially funded through $4 million from the city’s asset forfeiture fund as a down payment. The remainder will be lease-financed.
They are due to be delivered in the summer of 2027.
The new rotorcraft – both of the same, unspecified type – will be delivered by CNC Technologies, and will be used to modernize and standardize Pasadena Police Department’s aging fleet of four helicopters.
The Department currently operates a mixed fleet of five helicopters, including Bell OH-58s, Bell Jet Rangers, and MD 500s.
One of the MD 500 helicopters will reportedly be sold, with the aim of offsetting the purchase costs of the two helicopters, while also further streamlining operations.
New Mexico State Police recently acquired a new Airbus H125.
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.