The City of Atlanta has signed off the paperwork at a City Council meeting earlier this month with a commitment of $10,445,227 to the future fleet of its Police Department

This figure includes two new MD530FF helicopters from MD Helicopters, and the upgrade of the City’s current MD500E (pictured) to 530FF standard.

Standardising the fleet is a key part of the decision, as there have been some notable inefficiencies for some years. Aside from the 500E, the Aviation Unit has also operated a Bell 206 since 1987, and a UH-1V for the past 12 years. No mention was made in the available paperwork online as to the future plans for the JetRanger and UH-1, or how much their disposal would realise towards the new and upgraded aircraft.

Finance is being organised through J P Morgan Chase Bank