Riverside Police Department will add two new Airbus H125 helicopters to its law enforcement fleet that serves and protects the City of Riverside, California, following an order placed December last year.
“The Riverside Police Aviation Unit is excited to expand its mission capabilities and offer our community additional services by entering into a larger helicopter platform,” said Riverside Police Lieutenant Denny Corbett. “Additional services will include increased flight times for patrol, firefighting capabilities, and officer and citizen rescue capabilities, in addition to other mission essential services. The new H125s are a welcome addition to the current aging helicopter fleet.”
The city of Riverside is the largest city in Riverside County with a population of over 350,000 and an area covering over a hundred square miles. The Riverside Police Department Aviation Unit recently celebrated its 50th year as a law enforcement aviation unit. The Unit is comprised of six pilots, two tactical flight officers and two mechanics. The Aviation Unit maintains a seven day a week flight schedule, providing air support for the City of Riverside, fulfilling a contract to provide air support for the City of Corona, CA, and assisting both City Fire Departments. The unit also maintains relationships with Federal agencies, providing support to their Federal partners. Delivery of the new helicopters is anticipated in the first half of 2023.
“Law enforcement agencies continue to turn to the H125 thanks to its versatility, safety, high performance, and for the reliability of a helicopter that will be ready to help them serve and protect their local communities,” said Ron Kelley, airborne law enforcement segment manager at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “We’re excited to welcome Riverside PD to the Airbus family and look forward to supporting their essential missions.”
Known for its power, versatility and excellent performance in hot and high conditions, the H125 features dual hydraulics, dual channel FADEC, a crash resistant fuel system, and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. It is the leading airborne law enforcement helicopter for many state and local agencies, accounting for nearly half of all intermediate single-engine helicopters delivered for that mission in North America over the last decade. The H125 is built at Airbus Helicopters, Inc.’s production and completion facility in Columbus, Mississippi, by a team made up of 40% U.S. veterans.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Airbus Helicopters.
