Grand Prairie, TX – Today, American Eurocopter announced that it has delivered the 12th AS350 B2 to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. This completes the order of 12 AS350 B2 helicopters that were purchased in August 2010 as part of an upgrade program for the department’s Aero Bureau fleet.

“American Eurocopter has a culture that is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers and to delivering on time. The Aero Bureau’s choice to upgrade their patrol fleet with the AS350 B2 shows their confidence in the performance of our aircraft and our company,” stated Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. “We look forward to continuing to support their helicopters as they continue to serve the citizens of Los Angeles County.”

The final delivery was celebrated with an event at American Eurocopter’s Delivery Center in Grand Prairie. Captain Louis Duran and other members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau participated.

“When we chose the AS350 B2 helicopters for our fleet replacement program, we knew the aircraft could meet and exceed our department’s needs,” explained Duran. “With this 12th delivery, we know that we have the best aircraft for our expanding mission profile and that we can count on American Eurocopter to support these aircraft.”

The AS350 family of helicopters has become the standard in airborne law enforcement. It is a reliable, high performance platform that, in addition to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, is in service with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Los Angeles Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, California Highway Patrol and many other federal, state and local agencies. This delivery marks the 194th AStar helicopter in the U.S. airborne law enforcement force.

“The LASD has a proven track record with the B2 and when these aircraft are completed, they will represent the most modern AS350 B2 law enforcement fleet in the world,” explained Ed Van Winkle, American Eurocopter’s Law Enforcement Market Manager. “This delivery really highlights the market dominance of the AS350 family of helicopters and the platform’s flexibility for law enforcement integration.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau is recognized worldwide as a leader in tactical law enforcement aviation services. The Aero Bureau provides vital support to all law enforcement missions as a true force-multiplier. Its patrol fleet utilizes advanced technology systems that include Forward Looking Infrared Radar (F.L.I.R.), multi-band digital radio systems, Global Positioning Mapping System, and Down-Link video feed so air crews can provide real-time proactive support to law enforcement personnel and Command Operation Centers.

The Aero Bureau also has a search and rescue program called Air 5. This program provides some of the most advanced technical rescue and paramedic response capabilities available in the nation and can also rapidly deploy Tactical Response Forces during major incidents. The Aero Bureau is currently under contract to upgrade its Air 5 fleet with three AS332 Eurocopter helicopters.

Source and photo: Eurocopter