Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is adding a second Eurocopter AS350B3

The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is adding a second Eurocopter AS350B3 to its fleet. Ordered in September 2005, the MPD’s second AS350 is due to enter service in early 2006.
 
“We’ve been wanting a second aircraft since our unit was reactivated in 2001,” says Sergeant Steve Smith, one of the MPD’s helicopter pilots. “Now thanks to the efforts of the Mayor’s office, our Chief of Police, and other senior officials on the MPD, this goal is about to become a reality. It’s great news for the people of Washington, D.C., the officers who serve here, and for the legislators and government officials who work hard every day to keep America strong.
 
Aiding in the War on Terror is nothing new for the MPD’s Air Support Unit. Reactivated in February 2001 after being closed for almost five years, the Air Support Unit has been using a single AS350B3 to watch the city from above. During this time, this B3 has flown about 1,000 hours a year, which is a lot for a single aircraft. However, despite this heavy workload, the B3 has been a reliable workhorse for the MPD.
 
“We fly extensively over the Capital’s 64 square miles in the course of our duties,” says Sergeant Smith. The MPD’s Air Support Unit uses the B3 for everything from aerial surveillance and ground officer support to SWAT team insertions and VIP flights.
 
Equipped with a FADEC – equipped 847 shp Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine, the AS350B3 offers high performance bolstered by enhanced safety and 
reduced pilot workload thanks to the B3’s VEMD multifunction cockpit display. With high performance, ease of flight, and a sling load capacity of more than 3085 lbs, the AS350B3 is the most capable, user-friendly helicopter in its class.
 
About American Eurocopter (www.eurocopterusa.com) American Eurocopter is the American subsidiary of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and EADS North America, the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. American Eurocopter markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. American Eurocopter’s headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large new factory in Columbus, Mississippi.