Strathclyde Police Force has unveiled what it believes is the most technologically advanced police helicopter in the UK. The aircraft in question, a Eurocopter EC135, is owned by Bond Air Services which operates a large fleet of twin engined helicopters primarily in support of the emergency services, and has been leased to Strathclyde’s Air Support Unit on a seven-year contract.

The helicopter is fitted with high-tech equipment to monitor and detect crime and it is hoped that the aircraft will be able to carry mountain rescue teams, dog handlers and their dogs, and firearms teams to locations where they are needed quickly.

Mr John Orr, chief constable of Strathclyde Police, said: “The excellent operational use of the Air Support Unit is well documented and it remains a vital tool for policing an area the size and diversity of Strathclyde’s. The unique EC135 will have the highest specification of any police helicopter in the UK. The technical equipment will be used to the full to provide a fast and efficient service to the public as we progress into the 21st century.”

Strathclyde Police reports that the EC135 is a faster, more efficient, and better equipped machine than its previous helicopter, a Eurocopter BO105, and can fly for a longer length of time. It is also said to be quieter than its predecessor, thanks to an enclosed tail rotor which helps minimise engine sound.

Featured improvements include dual instrumentation, which means the aircraft can fly in more difficult weather conditions, such as low cloud, and an upgraded navigation system which automatically forwards location coordinates to the pilot when an address is submitted. Also the helicopter’s thermal-imaging capacity has been advanced with a more powerful infra-red video camera which is essential for tracing missing persons.

In addition, digital camera technology has been fitted to enable pictures taken from the helicopter of an emergency scene or criminal situation to be transmitted live to police headquarters.

An inspector, a sergeant and six police officers in Strathclyde’s Air Support Unit have received rigorous training on the EC135 and its advanced systems, as have a pool of six pilots from Bond Air Services.

The Air Support Unit’s main function is to carry out searches for missing and vulnerable people in rural and inaccessible areas. Its EC135 will also monitor vehicle pursuits, taking appropriate video footage for evidence, and help to coordinate resources at major events and emergencies.

Mr John Orr, chief constable of Strathclyde Police, said: “The excellent operational use of the Air Support Unit is well documented and it remains a vital tool for policing an area the size and diversity of Strathclyde’s. The unique EC135 will have the highest specification of any police helicopter in the UK. The technical equipment will be used to the full to provide a fast and efficient service to the public as we progress into the 21st century.”

Meanwhile, Bond Air Services has announced that after extensive evaluation of a number of sites in southern England, Gloustershire Airport has been chosen as the location of its new headquarters. An estimated £1 million custom designed facility is to be built at the airport, comprising a major maintenance, logistics and technical support centre, with an adjacent office complex housing the company’s administration, finance and sales departments. The headquarters is expected to be completed and operational by June 2001.