Virginia Beach Police Aviation to receive new MD 530F aircraft

US-based Virginia Beach Police Department, Helicopter Operations Aviation Unit has procured a new MD 530F aircraft.

The new, custom-configured MD Helicopters-built MD 530F is expected to enhance the in the execution of all law enforcement operations.

The Helicopter Operations Unit supports ground units in the execution of air patrol, search and rescue, surveillance, as well as crime scene and damage assessment.

MD Helicopters Commercial & Military Sales and Marketing vice-president Andy Pillado said: "The MD 530F is an exceptional aircraft for law enforcement operations.

“More than just a force multiplier, this aircraft is an affordable, powerful performer that delivers reliability and increased mission versatility.”

Features of the Virginia Beach MD 530F are Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650shp turbine engine, extended landing gear, Fargo 21 gallon auxiliary fuel tank and wire strike protection system.

Additional features are high-contrast main rotor blades, a FLIR Star SAFIRE 380HDc EOIR system, a new TrakkaBeam A800 searchlight, a NVISB interior, the Garmin 500H EFIS flight display, Garmin GTN650H touchscreen GPS/Navigation and communications panel.

The aircraft’s all-glass cockpit is equipped with Garmin GMA 350H audio panel, Howell Instruments Engine Instruments Display, Technisonic TDFM 9300 and Garmin GTR 225 multi-band airborne radios, and Churchill ARS-600 airborne mapping system. 

MD Helicopters will deliver the new aircraft to the Virginia unit in the second quarter of 2018.