Bell Helicopter delivers first Bell 429 aircraft to Slovakian Police

Bell Helicopter, a Textron company, completed the delivery of the first of two Bell 429s to the Slovakian Police Force.

Featuring a fully-integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system, WAAS navigation and IFR capability, the Bell 429 provides exceptional speed, range, hover performance and improved safety margins.

The police will primarily use the aircraft for border protection, search and rescue, natural disaster relief missions and road traffic law enforcement.

Slovakia Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Robert Kalinak said: "This is one of the most modern aircraft on the market, and it fulfils the increasingly demanding mission requirements of our police force."

The Bell 429 continues to gain customers in police forces around the world. Bell Helicopter has

Recently, the company has delivered 15 Bell 429s to the Turkish National Police, four Bell 429s to the New York Police Department and the Swedish National Police will receive their first Bell 429 later this year.

Bell Helicopter managing director for Europe and Russia Jakub Hoda said: "We are delighted to celebrate the delivery of the first of two aircraft at the Slovakian Ministry of Interior in Bratislava.

"Customers in Europe have shown great interest in the Bell 429 for law enforcement operation. Over a quarter of the Bell 429s in service across Europe today are flying parapublic missions, demonstrating the superior performance of the Bell 429."

Compared to other light twin helicopter, the Bell 429 has more cabin space with flat flooring and seating for seven passengers and one flight crew.