The UK's National Police Air Service (NPAS) has taken delivery of the first of seven redesigned and upgraded EC135 T2+ helicopters from Bond, a Babcock International Group company.

The aircraft features a custom mission suite with a range of integrated technologies including a mission management system, advanced and integrated communication systems and on-board computing and EO/IR sensors, making it the one of the most advanced police helicopter platforms on the market.

Powerful search lights and public address systems will ensure it can provide valuable support to a range of policing operations, and a redesigned workspace engineered with touch-sensitive display screens will help on-board police support officers in their demanding roles. The upgrade will extend the life of the NPAS EC135 T2+ fleet and introduce the latest capabilities to UK policing at a fraction of the cost of a new aircraft.

David Plester, CEO of northern Europe for Babcock, says: “I'm delighted to be able to hand over this aircraft to NPAS. Getting to this stage is the result of significant innovative engineering and very close co-operation between Bond and NPAS technical specialists. Our experienced team has designed and integrated the very best mission systems equipment, which we believe will make a real difference to the helicopters' crime-fighting capabilities.”

West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson, who chairs the NPAS board, adds: “Air support is very important to policing. It can help save lives and catch criminals and this helicopter has some of the best kit available to help support the police in their work.”

Work is being carried out at Bond's facilities in Staverton, and NPAS is managing the fleet so that it will not impact on the coverage by police helicopters across the country. The upgrades will mean the full NPAS fleet of 22 helicopters operates with the latest technology.