Ex military OH-58s transferred under various programmes are a popular choice for law enforcement in the US.
PHI MRO Services, have announced that it was recently awarded a completion contract for a Bell OH-58 Kiowa by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO).
The contract includes interior and exterior modifications and the installation of mission-specific equipment and avionics integrations—all tailored to the operational needs of DPSO’s Air Division. Highlights of avionics and communications upgrades include the installation of a Garmin GTN™ 650Xi touchscreen flight navigator, Macro-Blue 15.6-inch TFO cockpit display, Trakka mapping system and Aero Dynamix NVG. The OH-58 will also be fully customised with fresh paint and updated interior seating.
The award follows PHI MRO’s recent delivery of two Bell 407 GXis to the Louisiana State Police (LSP) as part of a completion contract announced during last year’s Airborne Public Safety Association Conference (APSCON).
“Modernising public sector aircraft is critical to maintaining operational readiness,” said Piotr Kosmulski, Chief Operating Officer of PHI MRO Services. “PHI MRO has a deep understanding of special mission aircraft and the flexibility required to support public and law enforcement agencies. We’re proud that the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office trusts our team to deliver the high-impact solutions that ensure they’re ready to provide accurate and timely life-saving aviation services.”
“The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is committed to making critical investments to help enhance our ability to protect and serve the public,” added DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson. “We’re pleased to partner with PHI MRO Services to equip our Air Division’s OH-58 aircraft with state-of-the-art technology.”
The aircraft is set to be completed later this year.
