Virginia Beach Police orders an MD 530F

The Virginia Beach Police Department’s aviation unit has ordered a new MD 530F helicopter. This will be the first MD Helicopters aircraft to join the VBPD since its helicopter operations unit was established.

Andy Pillado, vice president, commercial and military sales and marketing for MD Helicopters, said: “The MD 530F is an exceptional aircraft for law enforcement operations. More than just a force multiplier, this aircraft is an affordable, powerful performer that delivers reliability and increased mission versatility.”

Virginia Beach, the most populous city in Virginia, covers 310 square miles and boasts a population of 450,000.

The Virginia Beach Police right-hand command MD 530F will feature the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650shp turbine engine, extended landing gear, Fargo 21 gallon auxiliary fuel tank, and wire strike protection system.

The MD 530F has an all-glass cockpit and features the Garmin 500H EFIS flight display, Garmin GTN650H touchscreen GPS/Navigation and communications panel, Garmin GMA 350H audio panel, Howell Instruments Engine Instruments Display, Technisonic TDFM 9300 and Garmin GTR 225 multi-band airborne radios, and Churchill ARS-600 airborne mapping system.

“It is truly an honour to be joining the Virginia Beach Police Department family. We are excited about the role this aircraft will play in protecting the citizens of Virginia Beach, and look forward to a long and growing relationship,” added Pillado.

MD Helicopters will deliver the new, custom-configured MD 530F to the Virginia Beach Police Department’s helicopter operations aviation unit during the second quarter of next year.