Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) has taken delivery of the first of three MD530s it has on order with MD Helicopters. The Department took delivery of the new helicopter at a ceremony at MD’s Mesa, Arizona factory. The new aircraft are slated to replace the HBPD’s existing fleet of MD520Ns and are part of a deal with MD to not only facilitate the sale of the 520Ns but also handle the disposal of NOTAR-specific spares. Also included in the purchase agreement is a comprehensive pilot and engineer training package.
The new aircraft are configured with a full law enforcement package, crash-resistant fuel tanks, and an advanced NVIS interior designed to enhance safety during nighttime patrol, surveillance, and tactical operations. Their upgraded glass cockpit avionics feature the Garmin G500TXi Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), Howell Instruments Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert Systems (EICAS), and Garmin GTN 750 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS.
“The Huntington Beach Police Department is excited to continue with the ongoing operation of MD Helicopters in our Air Support Unit,” says Eric Parra, Chief of Police for Huntington Beach. “These new helicopters will continue to ensure the finest service for police officers and citizens in the cities of Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa.”
The remaining aircraft in the order are scheduled to be delivered in March and April of this year.
