Bell Helicopter delivered the last of four new 429 light twins to the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) Air Support unit in July. The NYPD began taking deliveries of the 429 last year to replace its four AgustaWestland AW119 singles. Under the deal, Bell provided the 429s and one 407GX single-engine training aircraft and took the AW119s on trade. The NYPD already operates two Bell 412EPs for marine rescue, firefighting and tactical missions and has a long history with Bell, buying its first Model 47 in 1948 and operating 412s since 1986.  

The NYPD’s 429s were outfitted at Bell’s completion center in Piney Flatts, Tenn. Deputy inspector James Coan, commanding officer of the NYPD aviation unit, said: “We are extremely happy with our choice of the 429. Thanks to the partnership between Bell Helicopter and Helinet Technologies, this aircraft provides us with perhaps the most advanced law enforcement sensor suite available.” Among the special-mission gear installed are Trakkabeam searchlights, the MX10 EO/IR camera system, hoist and air ambulance equipment.

NYPD’s aviation unit was established at Floyd Bennett Air Field in Brooklyn in 1929, initially with fixed-wing aircraft. Some of these were on floats and performed water rescues. The 412s perform that role today, flying with two-pilot crews, an A&P mechanic crew chief and two police rescue swimmer/divers. The entire unit remains based there today with approximately 70 personnel. All NYPD aviation officers must first complete three to five years on the force and have the appropriate pilot ratings or mechanics’ license before being eligible for consideration for the department’s training program.