Turkish National Police receives Bell 429 helicopters

The Turkish National Police has received the first seven Bell 429 advanced light helicopters from Bell Helicopter, a unit of Textron company.

The delivery follows, previously awarded contract to the company by the Turkish National Police to deliver first seven of 15 Bell 429 helicopters between September and October 2013 while the remaining helicopters are scheduled to be delivered through next year.

Fitted with multi-sensor cameras, the latest microwave downlink technology, the helicopter features video management system to enable flow of information between air and ground operations.

Republic of Turkey undersecretary for defence industries Murad Bayar said the Bell 429 helicopter will allow police force to serve and protect the country more safely and efficiently.

"We’d also like to thank the team at Bell’s Piney Flats facility as they went above and beyond to make sure we received the best support and service possible throughout these deliveries," Bayar added.

In addition to delivering exceptional speed, range and hover performance, the Bell 429 helicopter equipped with fully-integrated glass cockpit with two or three multi-function displays, dual digital autopilot and an integrated electronic data recorder helps increase situation awareness and safety margins.

Bell Helicopter Sales and Marketing executive vice president Danny Maldonado said, "The Bell 429 met the Turkish National Police’s requirements for a multi-mission platform with exceptional speed, power and performance, even at peak altitudes."

The aircraft will be used by the National Police to conduct a range of law enforcement missions, such as surveillance, personnel transport and air support of ground operations.

Image: A Bell Helicopter-built Bell 429 conducting mission. Photo: Textron Inc.