Bell have announced that the New York Police Department’s Aviation Unit signed for two Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopters optimized for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.  

The two aircraft will be the ninth Bell model to be flown by the NYPD. Compared with the straight 412 the Subaru variant has an increased internal weight up to 12,200lbs, external payload is up to 13,000lbs. In addition, the mast and main rotor gear box are updated giving an 11% mast torque output increase and 30-minute run dry time of 30 minutes respectively.
Commenting on the announcement NYPD Deputy Inspector Louis Soviero, commanding officer of the Aviation Unit said “The New York City Police Department is exceptionally pleased to add these high-quality aircraft to our fleet. As one of the first airborne law enforcement divisions in the world, the NYPD’s Aviation Unit performs air/sea search-and-rescue missions, tactical support, port security, counterterror operations, patrol functions, and more. This critical work deeply depends on the performance and reliability of our aircraft – and the NYPD is fully confident that today’s additions will improve our fleet and enhance our public-safety mission.”

 

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