The Texas Department of Public Safety has signed a purchase agreement for a Bell 407GXi.

The DPS Aircraft Operations Division provides statewide air patrol, criminal surveillance and rescue support for Texas. In addition to its new Bell 407GXi, the department also utilises a Bell 412EP. Texas DPS and Bell have a long-standing relationship that began in 1948 when the department established its fleet with two Bell 47s. This new addition of the Bell 407GXi reflects the department's continued trust in Bell's reliability and mission solutions.

“Over 50 years ago, Texas DPS chose Bell as its first public safety use rotorcraft. Today, Bell is honoured to continue that relationship with the department as it expands its public safety mission capabilities in a Bell 407GXi across the state of Texas,” says Lane Evans, MD, North America sales, Bell.

Bell continues to serve as a trusted partner for public safety organisations across the globe. Proudly headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas since 1951, supporting statewide law enforcement has always been a priority for Bell. The Texas DPS's purchase of a Bell 407GXi emphasises Bell's commitment to supporting law enforcement and emergency response teams with innovative technology and proven systems.

“The addition of this Bell aircraft to our fleet represents a significant investment in our operational reliability and public safety missions,” notes Stacy Holland, chief pilot, Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations Division. “Greater reliability translates directly into faster response times and added support for our partners on the ground, and provides an even higher level of service to the communities we are proud to protect. The Bell 407GXi's advanced capabilities, range and payload capacity allow us to effectively execute our missions and enhance our ability to respond to potential threats while safeguarding communities across Texas.”

The Bell 407GXi is designed to deliver exceptional performance, reliability and versatility. Equipped with advanced avionics, safety features, cargo hooks and a spacious cabin, the aircraft is ideal for public safety operations and has been used to complete countless missions. The design highlights safety and efficiency for customers, ensuring operators can complete their missions with confidence.