NYPD receives last Bell 429 GlobalRanger helicopter

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has taken delivery of the final Bell 429 GlobalRanger twin-turbine helicopter from Bell Helicopter at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association Expo in Houston, Texas, US.

With the handover of the fourth Bell 429, the NYPD’s inventory currently includes two Bell 412EPs, a Bell 407 and four Bell 429 helicopters.

The helicopters are being operated by the department for an array of missions ranging from search and rescue at sea to gathering intelligence and combating terrorism.

Bell Helicopter North American sales vice-president Anthony Moreland said: "The NYPD has been a Bell helicopter operator for many years, and we take great pride in our relationship and providing them with our reliable aircraft."

The company has been a part of the NYPD since 1948 when it handed over a Bell 47, which was the first Bell helicopter to be used as part of an airborne law enforcement team.

A derivative of the Bell 427, the Bell 429 is a multi-purpose helicopter integrating an enhanced glass cockpit, advanced drive system and improved wide area augmentation system navigation and instrument flight rules capability,

The helicopter also boasts more cabin space, flat flooring and seating for seven passengers and one flight crew, and can be reconfigured for any number of different missions.

The helicopter’s 60-inch wide side doors and optional rear clam-shell doors offer rapid and easy access for flight officers during emergencies.

Apart from NYPD, the helicopter is also in use by the Delaware State Police, Fairfax County Police Department, Texas A&M University, as well as the Royal Australian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard, among others.

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Image: The New York Police Department recently took delivery of last Bell 429 helicopter. Photo: © 2004-2014 Textron Inc.