The Phoenix Police Department in Arizona has signed a contract for one Leonardo AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter and an option for a second. The aircraft will be operated by the Phoenix Police Air Tactical Support Bureau as the larger and most modern aircraft in the operator's helicopter fleet, complementing the Leonardo AW109 Power originally acquired in 2005.

The mission of the Phoenix Police Air Support Unit is to provide patrol support, airborne surveillance and search and rescue services to bureaus and precincts of the Police Department and to the citizens of Phoenix. The AW169, primarily chosen for search and rescue, will strengthen its rescue and emergency response capabilities featuring rescue hoist, search light, FLIR and multi-mission/SAR cabin, with increased load carrying capability and overall improved aircraft performance.

"We are excited about adding the AW169 to our fleet to significantly enhance mission capability, safety, and performance in our hot and high density altitude environment,” says Phoenix PD chief pilot helicopter operations Paul Apolinar.

This order marks the entrance of the AW169 into the North American law enforcement market, adding one more leading law enforcement operator to the list of police, security agencies or firefighting departments who have selected the AW169 in nations like Italy, Norway, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Republic of Korea, Slovenia and Indonesia.