Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) in California has signed a purchase agreement for three MD 530F helicopters in a law enforcement configuration. The purchase agreement was signed during a special ceremony attended by Alan Carr, sole director of MDHI's board of directors. HBPD currently operates a fleet of three MD 520Ns.

The department has owned and operated MD Helicopters for more than 40 years. MDHI's renewed focus on listening to the customer's needs and strengthening the overall purchasing and owning experience was key in the sale. MDHI is proving its dedication to deliver on promises and improvements by going beyond the sale to provide a comprehensive new fleet replacement.

“We owe this renewed relationship to the hard work of our dedicated sales team, particularly Jason Lindauer, our director of commercial and law enforcement sales,” Carr says. “Jason worked tirelessly to listen to Huntington Beach's airborne team and clearly identify what they needed to succeed, including support in selling their current aircraft and spares. He and the team at MD were willing to go the extra mile to deliver not only a winning product but also winning support throughout the entire process and for many years to come. We have no doubt the MD 530F is the best helicopter for the job; powerful, reliable and delivering superior efficiency. Now that incredible law enforcement tool is backed by an uncompromisingly positive customer experience.”

Sgt. Jeff Goodspeed, Huntington Beach Police air support unit supervisor, adds: “Since the 1970s we have trusted MD Helicopters as our platform. Yet, while our mechanics and pilots love our helicopters, we always look for what best fits our mission of patrol, lifeguard deployments, Bambi Bucket operations and other auxiliary duties. Over the last two years we conducted exhaustive research of every possible helicopter that could meet our mission needs. We flew aircraft, contacted other police departments who flew those aircraft and interviewed helicopter manufacturer representatives to ensure we had a comfort level with the aircraft for both our pilots and our mechanics. When the City of Huntington Beach sent out an open bid for replacement helicopters, all the helicopter manufacturers we researched put in a bid. In the end, one platform stood out above all the others, the MD 530F.

“Everyone here at the Huntington Beach Police Department is extremely excited to continue our 40-plus year relationship with MD Helicopters. Over the last year MDHI has done a great job of answering all of our questions and concerns, making sure we have a platform that is ready to meet the needs of our mission for the next 20 years.”

The MD 530F is the latest model in the proven single-engine line, delivering increased operational capabilities, greater mission versatility and superior performance. The updated helicopter incorporates an advanced NVIS interior designed to enhance safety during nighttime patrol, surveillance and tactical operations. The enhanced certified glass cockpit features the Garmin G500TXi electronic flight instrument system (EFIS), Howell Instruments electronic engine instruments and crew alert systems (EICAS), and Garmin GTN 750 touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS.

In addition to its powerful Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650 shp turbine engine, extended landing gear and wire strike protection system, HBPD's MD 530F will be custom-configured with a full law enforcement package. In addition to the agreement to sell the department's current aircraft and spares, the comprehensive fleet replacement package includes a training programme specifically tailored to the department's pilots and technicians. Delivery of the first aircraft will occur in the first quarter of 2022. The second and third aircraft will be delivered later that year.