The Alaska Department of Public Safety has taken delivery of its second Airbus Helicopters AS35B3e and placed it in service to support operations of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and State Troopers.

DPS purchased the new AS50B3e in order to be able to expand operations from its Anchorage headquarters to Fairbanks, more than 350 miles to the north. The new AStar was placed into service in January. The first was delivered in spring 2013 for service in Anchorage.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety utilizes its helicopters to support operations throughout the state and to supplement a large fleet of fixed-wing aircraft. Since most areas of Alaska are not accessible by road, the agency’s aircraft fleet acts as a force multiplier for troopers on the ground with the goal of providing a safe and secure environment for the Alaska residents.

“Alaska DPS has been conducting search and rescue operations with AS350 AStars for the past 12 years and the AS350B3e is a great addition to their fleet,” said Ed Van Winkle, Airbus Helicopters Inc. Sales Manager for Airborne Law Enforcement. “The second B3e increases their mission capability with a proven airframe that can operate at high altitudes with plenty of power.”

The AS350B3e is the latest version of the AStar family, one of the most popular, high-tech helicopter platforms. More than 200 are in use with U.S. law enforcement agencies. The AStar is known for its performance, reliability and multi-mission flexibility. The B3e brings next-generation performance to the family. The aircraft is powered by a new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine that delivers a higher cruise speed and is equipped with a new dual-channel FADEC and Engine Data Recorder, which enhance safety and system management.

About Airbus Helicopters Inc.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) is the U.S. affiliate of Airbus Helicopters, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of the Airbus Group. Airbus Helicopters Inc. is a manufacturer, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and parapublic helicopters offered in the U.S. The product line represents the industry’s most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters serving all markets and missions. The company’s headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, Texas with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss.