PHOENIX, AZ (July 17, 2014) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), has announced a signed purchase agreement with Georgia State Patrol for a  at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) exposition today, in Phoenix, Ariz. The signing ceremony took place in front of the aircraft on display at the Bell Helicopter booth #209.

“We are excited to add this great aircraft to our fleet,” said Sergeant Greg Mercier of the Georgia State Patrol. “We will rely on the Bell 429 for its power, speed and large, accessible cabins for our parapublic missions.”

The Georgia State Patrol Aviation Division has operated Bell helicopters since the 1970s with a Bell 47. The unit supports public safety for the citizens of Georgia. Currently, the Georgia State Patrol has a fleet of six Bell 407s, one Bell 206, five Bell OH-58s and one Cessna 182 airplane, and a total of six field hangers located throughout Georgia. The aircraft will be used for a wide array of law enforcement missions, including surveillance, search and rescue and support of ground personnel.

“This year, we are proud to showcase one of our airborne law enforcement customer’s new Bell 429 as well as have a signing ceremony on site,” said Anthony Moreland, Bell Helicopter’s managing director of North America. “The Bell 429 fulfills Georgia State Patrol’s mission needs, and we continue to see a strong customer response throughout North America.”

The Bell 429 is one of the most advanced light twin helicopters ever developed, delivering exceptional speed, range, hover performance and enhanced safety margins with a fully-integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system and best-in-class WAAS navigation and IFR capability. The Bell 429 has more cabin space than any other light twin helicopter with flat flooring and seating for seven passengers and one flight crew. Wide 60” side doors and optional rear clam-shell doors provide quick and easy access for flight officers when every second counts.

ALEA is a non-profit educational, individual membership organization, founded in 1968 to support and encourage the use of aircraft in public safety. With over 3,000 international and local members, the organization’s vision is to promote the safe and successful completion of each airborne public safety operation.