The London Metropolitan Police Authority has placed an order for three Eurocopter EC 145s. Eurocopter and its UK distributor McAlpine Helicopters said this will be the first UK customer to operate the EC 145 in a police role, following extensive training at McAlpine's Oxford facility.

The helicopters are scheduled to enter service between late 2006 and early 2007.

Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines, the helicopter is able to carry one or two pilots and eight or nine passengers. Its versatile cabin layout allows it to undertake a variety of roles from winching and abseiling to casualty evacuation. With a fast cruise speed of 135 kts, a glass cockpit and endurance of up to 3.5 hours it is suited to such missions.