Intended To Replace Several Smaller Aircraft

The Phoenix Police Department has selected a Pilatus PC-12 Spectre for use by the Department’s Air Support Unit over the City of Phoenix, Arizona

Commander Dave Harvey, Commander of the Phoenix Police Department Tactical Support Bureau, said, “After careful consideration, the PC-12 Spectre was selected in part because it is an economical, single-engine, pressurized aircraft with sufficient cabin space to help accomplish a multi-mission role. It is a proven surveillance platform that will also assist us in crime suppression, transport of Department Detectives for investigative purposes, and assist with out-of-state extraditions.”

Leonard Luke, Vice President of Homeland Security and Government Business at Pilatus added, “It is a real honor for Pilatus to contribute to the protection and service to the City of Phoenix. The PC-12 Spectre is a force multiplier and will be a powerful tool for the Phoenix Police Department’s high demand operations. The aircraft’s proven durability is backed by the best product support in the industry, which means it will be consistently ready to dispatch on a wide variety of missions.”

The PC-12 Spectre is scheduled to be delivered to the Phoenix Police Department in September and their goal is to have the aircraft operational in 2010. The aircraft will join their fleet of eight helicopters and replace several smaller fixed-wing aircraft that had been operated for decades. The Phoenix Police Air Support Unit provides service to 1.57 million Phoenix residents encompassing an area of more than 500 square miles.

File Photo

The PC-12 Spectre provides a true multi-mission surveillance aircraft available to meet today’s operational realities and tightening budgets. Featuring a retractable surveillance platform, Primus Apex avionics suite, and a pressurized reconfigurable cabin, the PC-12 Spectre has set a new standard for multi-mission aircraft capability. Strong performance, fuel efficiency, and a rugged airframe suitable for military missions make it the ideal special mission platform for today’s government and law enforcement agencies.

FMI: www.phoenix.gov/Police, www.pilatus-aircraft.com