Hi-tech helicopter for West Mids
West Midlands Police has unveiled a brand new helicopter featuring some of the most advanced technology in the world.
West Midlands Police has unveiled a brand new helicopter featuring some of the most advanced technology in the world.
The helicopter, a Eurocopter EC135P2i, replaces the ageing MD 902 Explorer and has spent nearly six months being fitted out with specialist equipment.
Funded by West Midlands Police Authority, it has been fitted with a HD video and thermal camera system, the latest camera and thermal imaging system available to police. This will produce clearer video footage, plus with high definition capability, it will greatly increase the quality of evidence obtained.
Three monitors have been fitted giving the helicopter crew greater flexibility in gathering video and thermal imagery evidence. A Skyquest integrated navigation tool linked to a digital recording system will also enable higher quality images. Tetra radio systems will allow greater flexibility for communications with officers at the scene of incidents.
Chief Constable Paul Scott-Lee said: This new helicopter will be a great asset to West Midlands Police. The advances in technology will mean that we will be able to build upon our achievements and provide an even better level of service.
The helicopter will ensure that we can get the best possible evidence and locate suspects and missing people quickly. All of this should help us reduce crime and make communities feel safer.
Chairman of West Midlands Police Authority Cllr Diana Holl-Allen said: This is a significant investment for the Authority in cutting-edge technology. We believe that provision of this helicopter is essential in ensuring that police have best equipment to fight crime and make the West Midlands a safer place for all of us to live and work
The Air Operations Unit, which runs the helicopter, was set up in 1989 to cope with increased demand for a force helicopter. The unit is based at Birmingham Airport and comprises 19 police staff with five pilots.
The helicopter is on standby for operational use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It also plays a key role in pursuits and the location of vulnerable missing people.