Press Release

Issued by Heliwest.

October 10, 2011

Heliwest has won a breakthrough contract to supply the state of Queensland with its first Police helicopter.

To be operated by Heliwest's experienced pilots and crewed by Queensland Police, the Bell 206 Long Ranger is being flown for the Gold Coast City Council in a six-month trial to assess its crime fighting capabilities.

Heliwest chief pilot Captain Ashley Williams said the Long Ranger was ideally suited for the task.

"We will be equipping this machine with Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) camera capability and a powerful Night Sun searchlight," said Captain Williams.

"And we're also operating with Night Vision Goggles for the pilots and observers, giving the helicopter additional tactical capabilities."

Captain Williams said Heliwest crews were highly experienced in military and paramilitary tactical operations.

"At Heliwest, we are one of only three NVG training schools in Australia and the pilots we're tasking to crew this helicopter have broad Police and military flying experience," he said.

"The combined capabilities will be particularly useful in both high-level and low-level, night-time operations."