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New Airbus H125 for Phoenix Police Department

By Brent Bundy | June 9, 2022

Estimated reading time 4 minutes, 55 seconds.

On June 7, the Phoenix, Arizona, Police Department Air Support Unit took delivery of its newest airborne asset: an Airbus H125. The aircraft was flown in from Carlsbad, California, after being outfitted with the latest law enforcement equipment by Hangar One. The PPD Air Unit already operates a fleet of five AS350 B3s, after making the transition to Airbus 17 years ago. The Phoenix City Council recently approved a fleet replacement and the H125 was once again chosen as the choice for patrol over the Valley of the Sun.

Speaking to Vertical, Unit Commander Lt. Doug Opferbeck stated, “Phoenix police have been using Airbus helicopters since 2005. When we decided it was time to replace our fleet, extensive research and analysis prove our choice is for the optimal airframe for our diverse patrol and rescue operations.” 

The Phoenix Police Department’s Airbus H125s will replace the AS350B3s currently in service. Photo Brent Bundy

The H125 is the latest single-engine offering by Airbus to the law enforcement field, with this example being one of the first to be delivered incorporating the recently certified VEMD upgrade, providing a 10 percent power increase to the Safran Arriel 2D engine.

Avionic duties are handled by Garmin’s 10.6-inch touchscreen G600TXI GDU coupled with GTN 650Xi, with Bluetooth capability.

On the crimefighting side of the aircraft, the tactical flight officer will have access to a 17-inch Macro-Blue touchscreen, which serves a dual purpose as a digital mapping platform for the AeroComputers UC-6000, and for viewing the images from the Wescam MX-10 multi-sensor system.

Illumination of ground targets is provided by the 40 million candlepower Spectrolab SX-16 Nightsun searchlight. Communications are through a Technisonic TDFM-9000 multi-band radio head.

A variety of other custom-configured details were added at the request of the Phoenix PD pilots. “Our law enforcement buildout was tailored to our mission profiles. Our expectations were met or exceeded throughout the process,” Lt. Opferbeck explained.

The H125s are equipped with Garmin’s touchscreen G6000TXI linked to the GTN 650Xi which is Bluetooth compatible. Photo Brent Bundy

“Our hot climate, mountainous terrain, and community expectations demand we have powerful and proven helicopters,” said chief pilot Paul Apolinar. “We are confident our choice will continue to meet our needs even as our mission profiles change and grow.”

Four more identical aircraft will be delivered over the following year with the next arriving by the end of this month.

“Airbus is thankful for the long-standing relationship with Phoenix Police Department and glad to see them update their current fleet to the H125,” Airbus Helicopters airborne law enforcement sales manager Ron Kelley told Vertical.

“The model is one of the most popular law enforcement helicopters in the U.S., for good reason. Its versatility and high performance make it an ideal platform for diverse law enforcement missions, including aerial surveillance and SAR, and it’s a proven type that’s consistently ready for the call when it’s needed most.”

The Phoenix Police Department Air Support Unit has been in continuous operation since 1973, providing 24-hour-a-day coverage from both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft for its patrol officers and detectives. The main base is at the Phoenix-Deer Valley Airport, with a staff of 28 pilots, nine full-time mechanics, supervisors, and support staff.

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