Agencies Moving Forward With Fleet Replacement Program

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have taken delivery of new Airbus Helicopters H125s as part of the two agencies’ multi-year fleet replacement plans.

CHP recently took delivery of its third H125 (previously AS350 B3e), part of a five-year contract to upgrade its helicopter fleet. CHP has also ordered two additional H125s as replacements for aging AS350 B3s. CHP has been flying AS350-series AStar helicopters for 30 years. The new H125s are equipped to provide enhanced performance for search and rescue and other law enforcement operations. Completion services are being performed by Hangar One Avionics of Carlsbad, Calif.

LAPD has taken delivery of its first H125 as part of its plan to upgrade from AS350 B2 helicopters to the more capable H125. Customers of Airbus Helicopters Inc. for 25 years, LAPD continues to be pleased with the capabilities and support offered by the Grand Prairie, Texas-based company.

“The H125 is the premier platform for conducting aerial patrol police missions,” said Lt. Phil Smith of the LAPD Air Support Division. “These helicopters provide us with the best power, safety and efficiency needed to do our job, and we are excited for the opportunity to upgrade our fleet.”  

The City of Los Angeles Department of General Services will handle completion of the new LAPD H125.

“Many agencies in the State of California and across the country are ready to replace their aging law enforcement helicopter fleets and the H125 is the ideal platform to meet all mission requirements, while keeping operating costs low,” said Ed Van Winkle, Sales Manager for Airborne Law Enforcement for Airbus Helicopters Inc. “The recent deliveries to CHP and LAPD demonstrate the high level of trust that each agency has in the performance and capability of the Airbus Helicopters H125 AStar.”

(Image provided by Airbus Helicopters)

FMI: www.airbushelicoptersinc.com