New Helicopters to Support Medevac and SAR Missions

Bell Textron Inc. and the Delaware State Police (DSP) have entered into an agreement by which the latter will acquire two Bell 429 Global Ranger light twin-engine helicopters. In addition to law enforcement operations, the aircraft will be plied to emergency medical and search-and-rescue missions.

Bell Textron director of North American sales Lane Evans stated: “This year, Bell joins in DSP’s celebration of an incredible achievement. The Bell 429 aircraft will be the second Bell 429 to join DSP’s fleet and continue to be critical to providing law enforcement services to its more than one-million citizens and visitors, and we look forward to building our rich history well into the future.”

2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the DSP, a long-time Bell operator.

DSP Aviation Unit commander Captain Jeff Whitmarsh set forth: “DSP greatly values our long-standing relationship with Bell, and we are most proud of our 429 aircraft. The citizens and visitors of our state rely on us to transport critically sick and injured patients, locate the missing and lost, while providing aerial support for police-related missions. In turn, we rely on Bell to provide us with top-tier equipment and helicopters to fulfill this role. Bell answers this call time and time again.”

The Bell 429 is the only light twin-engine helicopter on the market with true two-litter capability, featuring sufficient 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.

The Bell 429 is one of the most advanced light twin helicopters ever developed. It delivers exceptional speed, range and hover performance, and offers operators a state-of-the-art single pilot IFR helicopter with top user-rated in-service support. The powerful and reliable Bell 429 serves the full spectrum of segments including air medical, law enforcement, oil & gas, utility, and corporate.

FMI: www.bellflight.com