Bell Helicopter announced the signed purchase agreement for the sale of the first law enforcement-configured Bell 505 Jet Ranger X to the Sacramento Police Department.
Anthony Moreland, Bell Helicopter Managing Director North America, said:
“We’ve seen incredible interest for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X from law enforcement agencies around the world. Following several successful demonstration flights earlier this year, we’re proud to announce the Sacramento Police Department as the launch customer for the law enforcement sector.”
The Bell 505 will be outfitted with several law enforcement provisions including high skid gear and is scheduled for delivery this Spring.
“The enhanced visibility, maneuverability and advanced avionics of the Bell 505 make it the choice aircraft for our operations” said, Greg Brown, Sergeant, Sacramento Police Department’s Air Operations Unit. “The Bell 505 will be invaluable in reducing man hours spent as well as response times in critical routine calls of service.”
With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is designed to be safe and easy to fly while providing significant value to the operator.