State-Of-The-Art Aircraft To Rejuvenate County's Aerial Support

American Eurocopter today delivered the first EC120 to Lake County Sheriff Department's Aviation Unit. This new, state-of-the-art helicopter will rejuvenate the unit's fleet that started service in Indiana over 30 years ago.

The Lake County Sheriff Department's Aviation Unit was started in 1979 and it is responsible for airborne law enforcement support missions throughout Lake County, Indiana, and surrounding areas. Since the start, the unit has utilized a variety of aircraft including military surplus models.

"It was definitely time to upgrade," said Sergeant Randy Phillips, Lake County Sheriff Department's Aviation Division. "The combination of price, performance, technology options and great support we receive from American Eurocopter made the EC120 an easy choice."

The unit flies a variety of missions that include pursuit assistance and patrol, and providing aerial support to the K-9, Aquatics, Marine and Tactical special operations units. Lake County's new EC120 is Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible and outfitted with advanced technologies like Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system, a remote control SX-5 Night Sun searchlight and a moving map system. These technological advancements will help the unit expand the scope of their missions and support throughout its areas of operation.

"The Lake County Sheriff's Department was committed to upgrading to a helicopter that would help them expand their mission capabilities and working with a company that would support them throughout the order process and beyond," said Larry Roberts, American Eurocopter Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support. "They made an informed decision by selecting American Eurocopter as their helicopter provider and in the EC120 as their aerial platform. We are looking forward to working with Lake County and supporting them for many years to come."

The EC120 is known for its maneuverability and its advanced technologies, like the cockpit's Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) that decrease pilot workload. The aircraft is powered by a fuel-efficient Turbomeca ARRIUS 2F engine and features the new generation Fenestron tail rotor.

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com