Agusta Aerospace Corporation, an AgustaWestland company, has just delivered an A109 Power helicopter to the New Mexico State Police. The A109 Power for the NMSP is fitted with special police equipment for extensive night surveillance operations and also with special police avionics. The completion was accomplished by Agusta Aerospace Corporation in Philadelphia, and is the first A109 Power placed in service with a U.S. Police Department. The A109 Power is certified for single pilot IFR operation and powered by two Pratt & Whitney turbine engines, and is also certified for Category A performance at maximum gross weight.

Cabinet Secretary John Denko, an experienced helicopter pilot, says, "This is one of the best all purpose law enforcement helicopters. It is state of the art in every system and has much greater capability than our current helicopter. The new helicopter will feature retractable landing gear, a sleeker design, greater range and more power at high altitudes. The high altitude ability will be extremely beneficial for search and rescue missions. The citizens of New Mexico got a good deal."

The A109 Power will replace their current helicopter that was put into service in 1984 and has flown missions such as police, search and rescue, surveillance and tactical operations. The A109 Power will be able to perform all of these missions with much greater capability.

FMI: www.agustausa.com