Chicago PD has added two new Bell 407GXis to the Bell 429 it took delivery of last summer. Image: Officer Jonathan Miano, Chicago PD
Bell Textron has announced that the Chicago Police Department has taken delivery of two Bell 407GXis, ordered last August, expanding its all-Bell fleet with additional public safety capabilities. The two aircraft are single-pilot IFR capable and have an adjustable cabin space that allows up to five officers to be carried. Additionally, they have a cargo hook allowing external loads of up to 3,100 lbs (1,360 kg).
The Chicago Police Department’s Helicopter Operations Unit acts as an aerial command-and-control centre to first responders on the ground, serving Chicago’s more than 2.6 million residents. The newly acquired Bell 407GXi duo joins the Department’s Bell 429 to enhance homeland security through aerial reconnaissance and surveillance.
“Bell is proud to build upon our over 20-year relationship with the Chicago Police Department as they modernise their aerial public safety capabilities with an all-Bell fleet,” said Lane Evans, Managing Director of North America, Bell. “The Bell 407GXi is an incredible multi-mission aircraft with hundreds of public safety agencies throughout the world using the platform to advance their operations.”
“This new fleet marked a new era for our Helicopter Unit,” added Superintendent Larry Snelling of the Chicago Police Department. “These helicopters are our eyes in the sky, allowing us to address crime in a safer and more efficient manner.”
