Bell Helicopter signs deal to provide two 429s to Delaware State Police

Bell Helicopter has entered into an agreement with Delaware State Police to supply two light twin-engine Bell 429 rotorcraft.

Configured to perform airborne law enforcement missions, including patrol, surveillance and search-and-rescue, as well as emergency medical services (EMS), the new Bell 429s are scheduled to be delivered in early 2014.

The Delaware State Police, which is seeking one platform capable of performing multiple tasks, has selected the 429 to meet its multi-mission requirements.

The 429 meets the standards for police and EMS operations with its cabin volume, hoist and single-engine fly away capability, according to Bell Helicopter.

Bell 429 provides configuration options ranging from VIP to air-medical, law enforcement, utility and oil and gas, as well as adaptability.

Delaware State Police superintendent colonel Nathaniel McQueen said that for the mission and operations for the force, the agency has evaluated all helicopter options in the light-twin category, as well as multiple medium-twin options.

"After careful consideration, the selection team chose the Bell 429 as the best combination of speed, power, performance and working volume to meet our mission needs," McQueen added.

Bell Helicopter sales and marketing executive vice-president Danny Maldonado said: "We are thankful for the opportunity to continue providing this organisation with the reliable and versatile products their missions demand, as well as the quality customer support they require to save lives and protect their state."

The two new Bell 429s will join the Delaware State Police aviation unit, which comprises 25 pilots and medics providing 24-hour coverage from two locations, Georgetown and Middletown in the US.

Annually, the unit performs an average of 2,000 missions, it transports approximately 300 trauma patients and flies nearly 1,500 hours.

In addition to the new Bell 429s, the Aviation Unit operates four helicopters – three Bell 407s and a Bell 412, as well as a fixed-wing Cessna 182.

The Delaware State Police aviation unit’s mission is to provide rapid transport of critically ill or injured patients to medical facilities and support law enforcement ground personnel in locating suspected criminals.

It also conducts other missions including airborne security for visiting dignitaries, homeland security operations, photographic missions, narcotics interdiction, pursuit support and maritime security.

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Image: Bell Helicopter stated that the 429 rotorcraft meets the standards for police and EMS operations with its cabin volume, hoist and single-engine fly away capability, and smooth, quiet ride. Photo: file image.