Bell Helicopter to provide Bell 429 helicopters to NYPD

Bell Helicopter has been awarded a contract by the New York Police Department (NYPD) for four Bell 429 helicopters.

Under the contract, Bell Helicopter will manufacture and deliver four aircraft for the use by NYPD for airborne law enforcement patrol, serving the citisens of New York City and surrounding jurisdictions.

Bell Helicopter Sales and Marketing executive vice president Danny Maldonado said, "We take great pride in continuing to provide New York’s finest with the reliable aircraft their missions demand so they can serve and protect their community."

Powered by two turboshaft engines, the Bell 429 aircraft features new main and tail rotor blades with lower tip speed and swept tip to reduce noise levels.
In addition to dual Gamin GNS 430 global positioning systems and Bendix King radios, the helicopter is fitted BasiX avionics with two (or three as an option) 8in×6in Rogerson Krotas colour liquid crystal displays and dual three-axis autopilot.
Capable of flying at a speed of 287km/h, the helicopter has hover ceiling (OGE) of 2,835m, maximum take-off weight of 3,175kg and endurance of four hours.

Currently, the NYPD operates three Bell 412EPs for conducting variety of missions ranging from search and rescue at sea to gathering intelligence and combating terrorism.

The new helicopters are scheduled to be delivered to the NYPD in 2015.