Metro Aviation delivers second EC135T2+ to Massachusetts State Police

Metro Aviation

28 Jun, 12

Metro Aviation Inc. recently delivered the second EC135T2+ to the Massachusetts State Police. The first aircraft was delivered late last year at which time the unit received pilot and mechanic training from American Eurocopter. The second aircraft is similar to the first with the exception of the complete HELINET Downlink system and a Eurocopter Deutschland aft fuselage mounted SX 16. This was added to alleviate forward loading CG issues.

Robert Smith, Unit Commander for the State Police stated: "The primary use for the aircraft will be air support for State, Local, and Federal public safety agencies, including police and fire departments. This aircraft benefits not only the State Police, we support everyone; searches, transportation, fire support, aerial photography, airborne command and control." When asked about the complexity and challenges in designing an airborne support platform, he answered, "The systems integration is the big thing; tying the FLIR, search light, and moving map and video/audio downlink together making the TFO's (Tactical Flight Officer) job a lot more efficient. The downlink is a great tool to allow ground Commanding Officers excellent situation awareness." In addition, Smith stated the aircraft will go into service immediately in support of the States re-enactment of the War of 1812 and Boston's July 4th celebration.

Metro Aviation's Production Manager, in charge of customer special design and development, Russell Garner, added, "It's all about durability and functionality. The positioning controls for the onboard equipment and the ability to reconfigure the aircraft in a minimal amount of time, is a challenge. Design challenges and certificate requirements do not change regardless if the equipment to be placed in the aircraft restrains equipment, personnel or weapons, the rules are the rules." The State continues the fleet replacement; the Department had (4) AS355 Twin Stars that are 13 years old. We are halfway through the project now after taking delivery of our 2nd EC135.

Metro Aviation, Inc., based in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States is a worldwide provider of completion services for all missions and types of helicopters and specializes in the EC135 and EC145 with several Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) developed by the company for these and other aircraft. Metro Aviation is an FAA approved repair station, approved Eurocopter Service Center and FAR Part 135 air medical operations provider at several locations across the United States. The company, which was established in 1982 and was privately held and is one of the largest traditional air medical providers in the country.

Tags: Civil, EC135T2, Eurocopter, Law Enforcement, Massachusetts State Police, Metro Aviation, News, US-Massachusetts