The AStar family of helicopters has become the standard in airborne law enforcement. It is a reliable, high performance platform that has been proven throughout the U.S. law enforcement community. In service with agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, California Highway Patrol and many other federal, state and local agencies, there are now more than 200 AStars in law enforcement roles in the United States.

At this year’s ALEA in New Orleans, two AStar helicopters will be featured on American Eurocopter’s booth #715: an AS350 B2 from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau and an AS350 B3 from the Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Section.

The AS350 B2 has become the signature aircraft for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau. The Aero Bureau has 12 AS350 B2s in its fleet and these aircraft represent the most modern B2 law enforcement fleet in the world. With advanced technology systems that include Forward Looking Infrared Radar (F.L.I.R.), multi-band digital radio systems, Global Positioning Mapping System, and Down-Link video feed, the Aero Bureau can provide real-time proactive support to law enforcement personnel and Command Operation Centers.

The Texas DPS AS350 B3 that will be on display is one of two B3s added to a DPS fleet that already includes 14 Eurocopter AStar helicopters and one EC145. The B3s were chosen for their cabin size, multi-mission flexibility and hot & high performance. The mission equipment suite on this aircraft includes a thermal imager, searchlight and moving map system. Texas DPS also added a 500 lb. rescue hoist that is utilized in search & rescue operations.

The AStar family of helicopters has become the platform of choice for U.S. law enforcement. For more information on industry leading helicopters, stop by American Eurocopter’s ALEA booth #715.