Queensland Police Service buys three Bell 429s
The Queensland Police Service is buying three Bell 429s for its POLAIR fleet. Set for delivery in the fourth quarter of next year, the helicopters will patrol southeast Queensland coast and support crime fighting in the region.
The deal is part of a new long-term contract signed by the Queensland Police Service with the not-for-profit organization Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) to operate SAR and other missions until 2034.
The selection of the Bell 429 by the Queensland Police Service reinforces the Bell 429’s reputation as the next-generation law enforcement helicopter, said Jacinto Monge, MD, Asia Pacific, Bell. “The Bell 429 has proven its capability to meet the rigorous demands of police aviation units across the globe with demonstrated high availability rates and safety metrics.” Bell looked forward to working with its partners SLSQ and Jet Aviation Australia to ensure the Bell 429’s entry into serve, he added.
The Bell 429 can be equipped with law enforcement mission-specific features including: an infrared camera, searchlight, removeable and sliding doors, wire strike protection system and an optional auxiliary fuel tank. Further options include: a fast rope insertion/extraction system and an equipment operator station with one or two tactical
The twin-engine helicopter is used by law enforcement agencies and search and rescue organisations such as the Canadian Coast Guard, Indonesia National Police, New York Police Department, Royal Thai Police, Swedish National Police and others.
The Swedish law enforcement agency particularly value the stable flight characteristics of the Bell 429, said Duncan Van De Velde, MD of Europe Commercial Business for Bell. “The Bell 429 offers a spacious cabin and a stable camera platform,” he told a media briefing ahead of next week’s Farnborough International Airshow. “The Swedish police force like working with the 429 because of its smooth flight, which enables camera operators to take good pictures.”
The Queensland Police Service will join the New South Wales Police (NSWP) in operating Bell 429 helicopters. NSWP commissioned three new Bell 429 helicopters last year.
In January, the Bell 429 exceed 500,000 global fleet hours in a range of missions including: corporate use, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (EMS), law enforcement and utility missions. More than 400 Bell 429 aircraft operate worldwide.
Apple’s eye: A New York Police Department Bell 429 helicopter patrols the Manhattan skyline.
Top: Two Bell 429 helicopters are pictured in service with the Swedish National Police.
