In October of last year, the Baltimore Police Department ordered four EC120® helicopters as part of a fleet renewal program for its current fleet of four EC120s that it has been operating since 2000. The delivery of two of the department’s new EC120s will take place in July, with the remaining two delivered in August.

“Our EC120s have been such reliable aircraft that we are really looking forward to getting these new aircraft and putting them into service,” said Lieutenant Don Bauer, Aviation Commander for the Baltimore Police Department. “With the continued support of American Eurocopter, we fully expect these aircraft to carry on the reputation set by our current fleet.”

The Baltimore Police Department utilizes its fleet of EC120s for law enforcement missions that include patrol and support, as well as homeland security missions. The department had the first EC120 in the world to reach 10,000 flight hours, and a second BPD aircraft recently reached that milestone. The purchase of four new EC120s showcases the appeal and effectiveness of the EC120 for airborne law enforcement operators.

“The EC120 offers a high-technology, low-cost solution, and it is the best-selling, light single-engine turbine helicopter in the law enforcement market for the past 10 years,” stated Ed Van Winkle, American Eurocopter’s Sales Manager for Airborne Law Enforcement. “It also offers the most modern design and advanced technology of any other aircraft in its class, featuring the Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) and Fenestron® anti-torque system.”

Baltimore PD’s EC120s were completed by American Eurocopter and feature advanced avionics and mission equipment, including thermal imager, searchlight, moving map, and video downlink systems. These aircraft are unique in that they have been completed with both front seat and rear seat consoles for Tactical Flight Officers, which were custom-designed by American Eurocopter.

The EC120 is known for its high maneuverability, state-of-the-art ergonomic cockpit, and low noise signature. It is powered by a fuel-efficient Turbomeca ARRIUS 2F engine and its wide unobstructed cabin, along with its excellent visibility, makes the EC120 an ideal platform for law enforcement operations.

For more information on the EC120, or any other helicopter available from American Eurocopter, stop by ALEA booth #112.

About American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is the U.S. affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer and markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and parapublic helicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, MS.