December 8, 2008
EADS North America’s American Eurocopter business unit today delivered the first EC145 helicopter for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which will complement a fleet that already includes 13 Eurocopter AS350 AStar rotary-wing aircraft.
The EC145’s handover occurred during a ceremony at American Eurocopter’s Grand Prairie, Texas Delivery Center. This aircraft will provide a larger, faster and more powerful helicopter for the Texas Department of Public Safety’s aerial unit, and is to perform missions that include law enforcement, search and rescue, fire suppression, public safety – as well as support during tactical operations.
Powered by two Turbomeca ARRIEL engines, the Texas DPS EC145 is a true multi-mission helicopter. It features a modern MEGHAS glass cockpit, optional IFR configuration with digital autopilot for single or dual pilot applications. The aircraft delivers a top speed of 145 kts. and a fast cruising speed of 131 kts. With a duration of almost four hours aloft, it allows the Texas DPS to cover a very wide area.
The EC145 has already demonstrated its success and reliability in the United States. A variant was chosen by the U.S. Army as the service’s UH-72A Light Utility Helicopter, and the EC145 is rapidly becoming the platform of choice throughout many industries in the United States. The aircraft is widely accepted with air medical services (AMS) operators, and its proven track record in this industry played factor for the Texas DPS in its decision to purchase the aircraft.
The Texas DPS is a long-time operator of AS350 AStars, the first of which entered service in 1984. These helicopters form the bulk of the fleet that supports the department in its mission to provide public safety services to the people in the state of Texas.
