First Helo Law Enforcement Team In City's History

Shanghai is poised to buy three helicopters for its first-ever helicopter police team to serve the security of the World Expo in 2010.

The Shanghai Public Security Bureau signed a contract Saturday with Eurocopter, for the purchase of two light-duty EC135s and one EC155.

"We decided Eurocopter was our partner as the function safety is the priority," said Wu Zhiming, the bureau's director. "Flying over Shanghai, a densely populated city with about 20 million residents, demands absolute security insurance."

The helicopters will be initially utilized during the 2008 Olympic Games as some soccer matches are will be held in the city. The new Shanghai Police Aviation Squad will be used for other airborne law enforcement activities such as air patrol, medical aid, rescue operations, traffic control and suspect pursuit, disaster relief and anti-terrorist activities, said Zhiming, according to Chinese media outlet, Xinhua.

City police authorities advertised for 10 helicopter pilots in December for the new police air squad. Though no development on the staff was available, the bureau said all the recruits were expert in piloting and aircraft maintenance according to the Shanghai Daily.

"The first contract with the Shanghai Public Security Bureau is a significant milestone in our market development in Shanghai and in China," said Norbert Ducrot, senior vice president of Eurocopter.

The EC135 can carry eight people and cruises at around 157 mph with a range of 394 miles. The EC155 can carry up to 14 people and has a maximum speed of 164 mph and a range of 564 miles.

It remains unclear how much the purchase contract is worth.

FMI: www.shanghai.gov.cn/shanghai/node8059/index.html