Turkish National Police orders 15 Bell 429 helicopters

US-based Bell Helicopter has received an order from Turkish National Police to supply 15 Bell 429 helicopters with the deliveries expected to begin by May 2013.

The base price for each 429 helicopter is about $5m, which takes the value of the order to about $75m.

The Bell 429 helicopters will be deployed for multi-mission airborne operations including law enforcement missions ranging from surveillance to air support of ground operations.

Larry Roberts, Bell Helicopter commercial business senior vice president, said: "It is a measure of great satisfaction to see the right helicopter matched with the requirements of a great customer with the benefits to Turkey and the service that these helicopters will provide the men and women of Turkish law enforcement and the Turkish people."

Roberts continued: "The Turkish National Police represents an anchor program for us in Europe and will allow Bell Helicopter the opportunity to bring its world class customer support and service to such a critical mission in Turkey."

Under the agreement, the company will also provide initial training for Turkish pilots and maintenance personnel in Fort Worth, US while the customisation of the aircraft to Turkish police specifications will be executed at Bell’s Piney Flats facilities in Tennessee.

Introduced in 2005, the Bell 429 helicopter is a light twin-engine helicopter and has been certified by more than 40 countries.

Bell 429 helicopters offer a 155kt speed with a cockpit featuring single pilot IFR and WAAS precision approach capabilities, whilst also possessing cabin space to seat up to eight passengers that can be reconfigured for multiple missions.

With configuration options varying from VIP to air-medical, law enforcement, utility and oil & gas, the Bell 429 will offer enhanced mission capability and adaptability.

Bell has delivered 28 aircraft last year and expecting improved deliveries this year.

 

Image: Turkish National Police will deploy the acquired Bell 429s for multi-mission airborne platforms. Photo: Bell Helicopter