Bond Helicopters to upgrade UK Police’s helicopter fleet

Bond Helicopters Europe has received a contract from the UK National Police Air Service (NPAS) to integrate its next generation camera and mission system technology into the police’s fleet of seven EC135T2 helicopters.

The contract, valued between £5m and £10m, also involves redesigning the helicopters’ interior with new touch screen displays and an ergonomic layout, all together increasing work space.

Replacing the existing communications systems with the new integrated technologies would offer improved capability to transmit crime-fighting information to police officers in the air, on the ground and even at headquarters.

In addition, the contract also includes integration of powerful search lights and public address systems, which would make the helicopters capable of supporting critical policing operations across the nation.

Upon the completion of work under the project, which will be executed at Bond’s Staverton facilities, the complete NPAS fleet of 22 helicopters would be operating with the latest technology.

NPAS accountable manager chief superintendent Ian Whitehouse said the tendering process was lengthy.

"This is not just about putting a new camera in an aircraft," Whitehouse added.

"It is an entire mission systems upgrade providing a slick and efficient service delivery at value to the taxpayer."

Image: NPAS’ EC135T2 helicopter. Photo: Courtesy of Bond Aviation Group.