Originally Posted by
Tango and Cash
I have the same question, the 175 is quite a step up from the 412 in terms of weight, cabin size, and cost.
From the Airbus Helicopters perspective, what else do they have to offer? The H145 is basically comparable to the 429s as a large light twin, the medium twin H160 is brand new (would NYPD want to be the ALE/SAR launch customer?), which leaves the H175 as the slightly overkill but only viable option.
Or is this being driven by the bid requirements from NYPD? Not having read the bid, maybe NYPD is asking for capabilities that require a larger aircraft. Maybe they want to be able to carry all the toys all the time (see LA County Sheriff and their AS332s)
It's puzzling indeed. LASD's mission requirements are quite different... substantially larger geographical area, frequent hoist rescues, frequent patient transports, hot-and-high capability. NYPD doesn't share those same needs.