Every year, the Swedish National Police (SNP) boasts over 4,500 completed missions due to the stability and readiness of the Bell 429. Search and rescue (SAR) efforts in the mountainous region of the country account for nearly 500 missing persons cases due to avalanches and hiking accidents throughout the terrain.

“With the Bell 429, we can perform advanced missions that give us increased visibility to respond to a variety of public safety missions. Not only can we perform more missions using the Bell 429, but we can also complete them quickly and safely,” says flight operations manager officer Lindell.

The Bell 429's unmatched engine power and speed of up to 155 knots allows the aviation unit to quickly arrive at its destination without compromising the smoothness of the flight. The aircraft also possess the ability to hover at low speeds, allowing the SNP to capture surveillance footage and to scan the scene for missing persons and fleeing criminals, minimising the manpower needed to search on ground.

Not only is the Bell 429 a fast and reliable aircraft, but its spacious interior was created with adjustable components to accommodate public safety equipment and increased crew comfort.

“With the Bell 429, we save a lot of time and save a lot of lives… it's a great multi-mission helicopter,” says Bell 429 pilot officer Ramström. “Being able to customise the interior of the Bell 429 based on our different missions provides us with the flexibility needed to accommodate varying missions.”

Back in July 2014, the Police Wing decided to renew its fleet of six EC135s, and a purchase agreement was signed for seven Bell 429 helicopters. The first was handed over on 1 October, 2015 and made its official debut flight in service on 27 October. In October 2019 another pair were added thanks to funding from an anti-terrorism budget.

The Bells are stationed across Malmö, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Östersund and Boden, with two aircraft at both Stockholm and Gothenburg, coping with the higher workload of the larger cities.

The EC135s were exported to Germany after they were purchased by a company offering air services for offshore wind farms.

The helicopter fleet also includes a Bell 205 JetRanger which is based at the SNP flight academy and used for pilot training.

Patria Helicopters carries out maintenance support for the SNP fleet under contract. Minor and daily maintenance is carried out at each aircraft’s base; with all major maintenance completed at Patria’s Stockholm maintenance facility.

The Bell 429 is a definitive platform for public safety missions and can be equipped with specialised equipment including an infrared camera, searchlight, removable and sliding doors, wire strike protection system, optional auxiliary fuel tank, fast rope insertion/extraction system and an equipment operator station with two 17” HD displays.