The Virginia State Police has taken delivery of a Bell 407GXi helicopter. The aircraft was completed by PAC International, a subsidiary of Metro Aviation. The State Police Aviation Unit's primary mission is to provide search, rescue, law enforcement and medical evacuation.

Pilots are gaining an extra set of eyes with the installation of a Garmin GTS 800 Traffic Advisory System, which combines active surveillance with passive (ADS-B) surveillance and simultaneously tracks up to 45 targets. The aircraft is also equipped with the Garmin GRA55 radar altimeter, GDL69 XM weather receiver, Artex emergency locator transmitter, Devore Tel-Tail lights, Precise Flight Pulselite system and custom exterior paint.

Mission-specific equipment including an AeroComputers U6000 mapping system, FLIR 8500 camera and Trakka A800 searchlight system with Meeker mounts was also installed. Due to the department's dual mission profile, the aircraft is also equipped with a Lifeport MedDeck pivoting litter, O2 system, True Blue medical inverter and PAC scene lights.

“The State Police Aviation Unit has been flying since 1984, and it is always an honour to partner with a prolific organisation with such a bold history,” comments PAC director of maintenance Ed Wahl. “We are well-versed in law enforcement completions, and we enjoyed customising this aircraft for the Virginia State Police.”

PAC International has more than forty years of experience completing and customising helicopters. Located in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, PAC is a Bell customer service facility and FAA-approved completion and customisation facility for Leonardo and Airbus Helicopters.