The New York Police Department Aviation Unit has signed a purchase agreement for two Subaru Bell 412EPX aircraft from Bell Textron. The two aircraft will be the ninth and tenth Bell products to join the NYPD rotorcraft fleet and will be configured for search and rescue (SAR) missions.

“The New York City Police Department is exceptionally pleased to add these high-quality aircraft to its fleet,” says NYPD deputy inspector Louis Soviero, commanding officer of the Aviation Unit. “As one of the first airborne law enforcement divisions in the world, the NYPD's Aviation Unit performs air and sea search and rescue missions, tactical support, port security, counter terror operations, patrol functions and more. This critical work deeply depends on the performance and reliability of our aircraft, and the NYPD is fully confident that these additions will improve our fleet and enhance our public-safety mission.”

Bell and NYPD share a long history dating back to 1948 when a Bell 47, the first Bell helicopter to be used as part of an airborne law enforcement team, joined the NYPD Aviation Unit. The NYPD currently operates two Bell 412EPs, a Bell 407 and four Bell 429s in service for a variety of missions, ranging from search and rescue at sea to gathering intelligence. NYPD's Aviation Unit also relies on a Cessna Caravan 208EX to combat counterterrorism.

“The NYPD is one of the most notable law enforcement agencies in the world, and Bell is proud the Aviation Unit has selected the Subaru Bell 412EPX and continues to put its trust in Bell,” says managing director, Americas Lane Evans. “In addition to being highly equipped with the latest technology and avionics, the Subaru Bell 412EPX will deliver new capabilities and readiness for critical missions.”

Certified in 2018, the Subaru Bell 412EPX possesses an increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs and up to 5,000 lbs of goods with a cargo hook. The platform enables large cargo and personnel transportation with its ability to carry up to 5,385 lbs.

The Subaru Bell 412EPX benefits from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability and mast torque output of +11 per cent at speeds below 60 knots, providing operators the ability to transport more supplies and perform operations more efficiently.