South Carolina Police orders an MD 500E helicopter

MD Helicopters MD 500

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Aviation Unit has ordered a new MD 500E helicopter expanding its capabilities in the state.

Mark Keel, chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, said: “We look forward to welcoming another mission capable MD 500E to our aviation unit.”

“This is an outstanding helicopter that our pilots love to fly. The speed, durability, maneuverability and overall performance of the MD 500E is unmatched in a police helicopter, and I am confident this addition to our fleet will improve our aerial support of pursuit, surveillance, and search and rescue missions,” added Keel.

SLED’s MD 500E will be equipped with a 420-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C20B turbine engine. The cockpit will include a Garmin G500H EFIS all-glass avionics flight display.

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Craig Kitchen, chief commercial officer for MD Helicopters, said: “We are committed to offering outstanding agility, low operating costs and unmatched versatility for safe and efficient execution of all law enforcement missions. The 500E is the undisputed choice for meeting these objectives, and we are honoured to support the expansion of SLED’s tactical aviation unit with this new MD 500E.”

MD Helicopters will deliver the new MD 500E to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division by the end of 2014.