LASD orders its first AS350 CRFT
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has ordered an AS350/EC130 crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT) that StandardAero and Robertson Fuel Systems developed in collaboration with one another
The initial order is for one CRFT, which is due for delivery in August and is to be installed by their selected provider Hangar One Avionics; the LASD is working towards upgrading its existing fleet with modern safety improvements.
Darren Ota, Chief of Maintenance for the LASD, explained that the LASD’s fleet operates across a vast and diverse patrol area. He added: “As we prepare to extend the lifetime of our AS350 fleet so it can continue to serve for years to come, we are taking a hard look and investing in safety improvements that will really make an impact on the protection of our crewmembers operating in these challenging conditions.”
StandardAero has long provided extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul services to the LASD’s AS332 Super Pumas and component repair for their AS350 fleet.
“Robertson’s goal in working with StandardAero for the CRFT was to bring Robertson’s proven safety performance in crashworthy fuel systems for the military to civilian operators. Our products are built for fuel containment, survivability, and ease of installation,” said Newman Shufflebarger, President of Robertson Fuel Systems.
“Our mission and legacy is to ensure the safety of those who protect us, like the brave heroes who serve in law enforcement operations such as the LASD,” Shufflebarger concluded.