Why visit ACE ’25?
The Florida Polk County Sheriff Office (PCSO) has taken delivery of its second R66 Police helicopter from a two unit order placed with Robinson in March this year. This latest fleet addition is fully NVG-compatible aircraft that served as the test bed for FAA certification of Robinson's night vision goggle-compatible configuration. FAA certification was received on 30 September, the same day as the aircraft was delivered to the PCSO. A third NVG-compatible R66 Police helicopter is slotted for delivery to the PCSO in January 2023.
For NVG compatibility, the helicopter's interior and exterior lighting along with the aircraft's instruments and avionics were evaluated to certify the helicopter for operation day or night with or without the use of NVGs.
The PCSO air support flies on average 1,100 hours each year. Centrally located between Orlando and Tampa, it provides air support for every law enforcement agency in its 2,000 sqm county as well as surrounding counties. Much of the terrain consists of lakes and flatlands with little to no illumination at night, making NVG goggles essential.