The Westchester County Police Department (WCPD) in New York state is continuing its advancements by teaming up with Outerlink to complete the STC of the Air IP wi-fi system in its Bell 407 helicopters.

For years, WCPD has recognised its helicopters as essential assets, not only for aerial surveillance but also for capturing critical officer position data within the aircraft. Seeking a cost-effective and reliable alternative to its outdated and costly microwave system, WCPD opted to equip its fleet with Outerlink's Air IP system. The Air IP wi-fi system delivers reliable HD video from the helicopter with a minimal half-second delay to the County's Genetec server.

“We found that the original microwave system installed had reduced capabilities due to line of sight limitations. It was extremely costly to purchase and to maintain the ground infrastructure,” explains Sergeant Brian Powers. “We decided to equip our newest Bell 407GXi with the Air IP and replace the existing microwave on our older ship to take advantage of the already existing cellular networks that would also provide coverage outside Westchester County if required. Sterling Helicopter was instrumental in making the process quick and efficient.”

Powers goes on to say that the benefits were immediate: “We instantly saw an improvement in the ease of operation, and having Outerlink provide a full turnkey solution with equipment and services makes the operation seamless.”

Outerlink has long been at the forefront of helicopter satellite communication technology. Jeff Warner, VP of Outerlink, emphasises the system's industry-leading capabilities: “We understand the satellite limitations for helicopters and decided to build a system that could expand the connectivity and ensure a reliable system that will keep the customers connected. The Air IP system provides users with a triple-redundant bonded network, minimising any risk of service interruptions during flight. Its capability allows simultaneous video and data streaming to and from the helicopter. One customer even conducted an uninterrupted Zoom meeting during flight.”

Providing a stable platform with sufficient bandwidth was paramount. Operational data from customers shows multiple users logging in simultaneously, with an average of five devices connected and bandwidth usage ranging between seven - 20 Mbps throughout the entire flight. Outerlink provides the PMA-certified hardware, STC approval and fully bonded services, allowing access to AT&T First Net, Verizon Priority and T-Mobile Priority services for first responders.

Sterling Helicopter, a FAA-certified repair station based in Croydon, Pennsylvania, played a key role in achieving FAA approval for the Bell 206/407 series STC, adding to the Leonardo AW139 (Part 29) certification already in place.

“This is a huge advancement in helicopter operations, and it will allow us to serve our customers with innovative capabilities you cannot get anywhere else. I knew the patented bonding technology would set this system apart from any other available on the market,” notes Edward Allen, director of engineering for Sterling Helicopter. “We plan to expand this STC globally in 2025 into EASA, ANAC and TCCA. We are also adding more Part 29 and Part 27 models.”

The Air IP system leverages proven proprietary technology to establish a seamless and secure wi-fi signal throughout the entire aircraft at a fraction of the cost of some existing technologies. Now, operators can bring the latest digital technology to their aircraft, unlocking unmatched connectivity, streaming capabilities and operational efficiency.

With this groundbreaking solution, WCPD and other law enforcement agencies are better equipped than ever to protect and serve their communities from the skies.