Enstrom Helicopter Corp.’s newly configured 480B Guardian returned from the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) show in Reno, Nevada, and then went on static display at the EAA show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin through 31 July.

On the flight west to the ALEA show, the 480B Guardian, stopped at the Nebraska State Patrol in Lincoln, Nebraska. There the helicopter was flown by Nebraska State police pilots to get a feel for the response and capability of the Guardian.

At the ALEA show, the 480B Guardian showcased an ideal aerial law enforcement platform to over 2000 law enforcement officers in attendance at the show. During ALEA over 15 demonstration flights were conducted to police pilots from all over the country. The 480B Guardian is outfitted with the latest in police technology including a front mounted camera, a digital video recorder/monitor system and search light. The response from the tours have produced a lot of excitement due to the fact that many of the pilots have not had an opportunity to fly a 480B yet, and to see first-hand how much the Guardian offered the police market.

When asked about the focus on the demonstration tour, Enstrom President & CEO Jerry Mullins said “Enstrom determined it was time to take a dedicated police configured 480B with special mission equipment on the road. Visiting police and sheriff departments throughout the country, highlighting the exceptional performance, handling capability and  visibility of this aircraft directly to police pilots, is the best way to publicize the fact that we have a very competitive turbine aircraft for police patrol missions.” Between the west coast tour and the previous east coast tour, Enstrom has visited over 15 police precincts and intends to go on the road again in late September 2005 for another demonstration tour.

Founded in 1959, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation manufactures a complete line of helicopters including the three-seat, piston-powered F28F and 280FX, and the turbine-powered 480B. The 480B is available as a three-place advanced trainer or as a three- to five-place VIP aircraft. For law enforcement applications, the 480B is known as the Guardian and the F28F is called the Sentinel.

FMI: www.enstromhelicopter.com