Aircraft To Be Delivered Later This Year

the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aviation Bureau has signed a purchase agreement with Bell Helicopter for a Bell 429. Arizona DPS Aviation Bureau’s new aircraft will be delivered in 2017 and will be used for Search and Rescue, Border Protection and Law Enforcement.

“The Bell 429 has made a name for itself around the world as playing a vital role for mission critical helicopter operations,” said Anthony Moreland, Bell Helicopter’s managing director for North America. “It’s our honor to have the Arizona DPS Aviation Bureau put their trust in Bell Helicopter and in the Bell 429 and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship of more than 40 years.”

The Arizona DPS Aviation Bureau provides an immediate, 24-hour per day, statewide air support response capability for critical occurrences and emergency situations across the state of Arizona. This includes a multi-mission helicopter service to a variety of public safety providers, as well as transport services in support of governmental operations and critical administrative functions.

“We are pleased to have selected the Bell 429 as the next replacement helicopter for the AZ DPS Aviation Bureau and the state of Arizona,” said Col. Frank Milstead, Director of Arizona Department of Public Safety. “Our selection process involved the technical flight evaluation of several twin-engine, hoist capable aircraft, with a specific emphasis placed on a hot and high performance standard. The Bell 429 met that standard and aligns with our objectives. We look forward to expanding our mission capabilities with this acquisition.”

The Bell 429 is the only light twin-engine helicopter on the market with true two-litter capability, featuring enough cabin space for two medical attendants and two crew members. The Bell 429 also offers exceptional flight performance with a fully integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system and best-in-class SBAS navigation and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability. It is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operators. The Bell 429 also features a spacious cabin and extra-large 60 inch side doors, as well as IFR capability certified for single or dual pilot operations.

(Image provided with Bell Helicopter news release [L-R] Terry Miyauchi from Arizona Department of Public Safety and Bell Helicopter’s Anthony Moreland)

FMI: www.txtav.com