MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial, military and law enforcement helicopters, today announced a new order for a 500E helicopter from the Metro Air Support Unit in St. Louis, Missouri. The order adds to the unit’s existing fleet of helicopters which includes three MD 500E models.

“We are excited about the newest order received from the St. Louis Metro Air Support Unit and proud of our long partnership with and support to the unit, dating back to 1985,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MDHI. “This order adds to the more than 150 MD helicopters actively used in law enforcement missions.”

The new helicopter will provide additional support to the St. Louis Metro Air Support Unit’s air fleet, enhancing the unit’s ability to perform search and rescue missions, and support first responders.

Captain Jon Belmar of the St. Louis County Police Department stated, “I am pleased to announce that the Metro Air Support Unit will be adding another MD 500E helicopter to the fleet. The new addition will be a tremendous asset and increase our ability to patrol and provide support to the St. Louis County region.”

The St. Louis County’s aviation unit began in 1971, and years later upgraded to a state-of-the art MD 500E helicopter in 1985. In 1987, the unit followed with another MD 500E helicopter and, shortly thereafter, acquired three OH6A military surplus helicopters. In 2009, the St. Louis Metro Air Support Unit rounded out its fleet to six helicopters with a third MD 500E helicopter. With their latest order, the Metro Air Support Unit has expanded its fleet to seven helicopters, as the unit patrols over 1,500 square miles and responds to calls for service in the surrounding counties in Missouri and Illinois. The newest MD 500E will not only increase support to the region’s infrastructure but, with the latest geographic information system and cockpit technology, it will enhance the unit’s ability to perform search and rescue missions. The other two agencies associated with the Metro Air Support Unit are the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department.