MD Helicopters, Inc. Announces Law Enforcement Win

Pasadena Police Purchase a New MD 500E

Mesa, AZ. – MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) has announced that the Pasadena Police Department, Pasadena, California, has placed an order for a new MD 500E.

This aircraft is the first of four MD 500E’s the police department plans to purchase to replace their current aging fleet.

The MD 500E Helicopter delivers the highest speed, payload and productivity in its class. The T-shaped instrument panel provides place for a full complement of modern avionics.

Long a favorite of Law Enforcement, the MD 500E allows easy configuration conversions from a deluxe five-place executive or touring transport to a utility cargo carrier. Typical uses include urban and remote location transportation of key personnel, technicians and craftsmen; aerial survey, patrol and photography; agricultural and fire-fighting applications; air rescue operations, and a variety of applications in the construction, petroleum and forestry industries.

With a five-bladed main rotor and the choice of a 420-shp Allison 250- C20B or 450-shp Allison 250-C20R turbine engine, the MD 500E is also the best performing helicopter in its class. The speed, agility, payload and proven low operating cost also make it well-suited for Law Enforcement Departments.

The Pasadena Police intend to equip their new MD 500E with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR), NightSun SX-16, video downlink and moving map. Communications on the aircraft will be provided by a Technisonic TDFM 7000.

The Pasadena Police Support Unit conducted substantial research to identify potential helicopters that would operate with reduced noise and meet their law enforcement needs. According to Pasadena Air Operations OIC, Captain Bob Mulhall, “The MD 500E was selected for a variety of reasons. Its speed, durability, maneuverability and overall performance are unmatched in the light turbine class. Just as important in the urban environment is the MD 500E’s noise signature. That’s why the department selected the four-bladed quite tail rotor system.”

Pasadena is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in California. It is famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and the Tournament of Roses Parade. A city of approximately 150,000, it is also home to many leading scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (the leading robotics and spacecraft design and manufacturing NASA center).

“We are pleased to have the Pasadena Police Department join the growing list of MD 500E users,” said Craig Kitchen, Chief Operating Officer, MD Helicopters, Inc. “The aircraft will give the City the opportunity to field a safe and quiet aircraft, clearly capable of performing the law enforcement mission while keeping cost to a minimum.”