The Chicago Police Department has taken delivery of a Bell 429 helicopter and has signed a purchase agreement for two B407GXis. The three aircraft will join the Helicopter Operations Unit's existing fleet of all-Bell aircraft.

“For over 20 years, the Chicago Police Department has chosen Bell as its premier public safety aircraft partner. Bell is honoured to continue that relationship with the Department as it expands its public safety mission capabilities across Chicago,” says Lane Evans, North America managing director, Bell.

The Chicago Police Department's Helicopter Operations Unit provides emergency response assistance to the city's more than 2.6 million residents by amplifying the capabilities of ground-based law enforcement units. The Helicopter Operations Unit plans to utilise its three new Bell aircraft for critical public safety missions such as aerial patrol and police unit transportation. The three aircraft will also serve as aerial command-and-control centres that will provide tactical and technological information to first responders on the ground.

“The acquisition of these helicopters is instrumental in our efforts to modernise our fleet so we can better serve the residents of Chicago,” comments Superintendent Larry Snelling, Chicago Police Department. “These new helicopters will give us a stronger aerial advantage in our efforts to strengthen public safety in every neighbourhood.”

In addition to the aircraft acquisition, the Chicago Police Department plans to train its pilots on both platforms at the Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas.

“With their cutting-edge technology and multi-mission assets, the Bell 407GXi and Bell 429 continue to be the aircraft of choice for public safety agencies around the world. Both platforms offer distinctive, multi-mission capabilities that will advance the Department's existing fleet,” notes Ben Lassiter, regional sales manager, Bell.

With single-pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability and adjustable cabin space that seats up to five crew members, the Bell 407GXi allows operators to perform in demanding environments while transporting essential public safety equipment. In addition to its tactical capabilities, the Bell 407GXis will come equipped with a cargo hook that can hold up to 3,100 lbs. of essential public safety equipment.

The Bell 429 offers exceptional flight performance with BasiX-Pro avionics, satellite-based guidance systems on intuitive displays, advanced drive system, and best-in-class SBAS navigation and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability. The law enforcement configuration can be fitted with a hoist, search light and rope kit, along with mission console, HD camera and video downlink and can accommodate up to six passengers plus two crew in its 204 sq ft (5.78 sqm) cabin, which has easily removable seats for different arrangements and cargo carrying. The cargo hook has a capacity of 3,000lbs or 1,361kg. The Bell 429's global fleet has exceeded over 602,000 flight hours with more than 450 aircraft in operation and 90 aircraft dedicated to parapublic missions.

Bell remains a trusted partner for public safety operators across the globe and is responsible for developing the world's first police helicopter more than 73 years ago.