The Texas Department of Public Safety has recently taken delivery of a new H125 from Louisiana-headquartered air medical operator and completion centre Metro Aviation.

“Texas DPS is proud to take delivery of our newest H125 from Metro Aviation, adding another great airborne law enforcement asset to our fleet. This specific helicopter was spec'd with the latest avionics, mapping, thermal imaging, video downlink and communication technology on the market,” says Major Marcus Tomerlin from the department's aircraft operations division. “It will be deployed to one of our border regions in south Texas. This specific helicopter will assist Texas with its mission in securing our southern border and providing an additional level of public safety to our citizens and law enforcement partners.”

The aircraft is the first in the Texas DPS fleet to be outfitted with the TrakkaBeam TLX searchlight, and the Boost human external cargo (HEC) system. The HEC system features a quick-release hook assembly that can remain on the helicopter during non-HEC operations, maintenance requirements are reduced and helicopter availability is optimised. It also has the latest Wescam MX10 and Shotover ARS real-time augmented reality mapping system.