Bell Textron has announced today the delivery of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) latest Bell 407GXi. A remarkably short lead time from the order announcement made during this year’s VERTICON. It also marks a step change in the DPS’ fleet acquisition strategy having looked to AS350/H125s to fulfil its light helicopter needs in recent years. One well placed source in the DPS talking about the change in equipment, told RotorHub International that it was Bell’s ability to supply an aircraft with a relatively short lead time that tilted the acquisition in Bell’s favour.
Even so, the Texas DPS are long users of Bell aircraft since the agency began helicopter operations in 1967 with Bell 47s and the service also has a 412 EP in its fleet.
“Bell is proud of the nearly 60-year relationship we have with Texas DPS, and we are excited to be here today to deliver this Bell 407GXi,” said Linda Deslatte, Bell vice president of commercial programs. “The Bell 407GXi is a proven, reliable aircraft in use by hundreds of public safety agencies throughout the world, and I look forward to seeing this aircraft working in the skies across Texas.”
“The addition of this aircraft to the DPS fleet will strengthen our ability to protect and serve Texas while expanding the support we can provide to our partner agencies across the state,” added Chief of the Aircraft Operations Division Stacy Holland. “This enhanced aviation capability gives DPS greater flexibility to provide critical aerial support and eyes in the sky during emergencies, law enforcement operations and large- scale public safety events.”
Image: Bell
