NYPD Aviation Unit - Going shopping!
Inthegreen: I'm not going into specifics because I think there is room for both the 902 and 135 in the (light twin class) police world. However, I would suggest you consider what you print, more carefully. There are problems with the 902 that will not go away, it doesn't have the clean profile you necessarily advertise, at the expense of the competition. Do your homework before you 'rag' the other types available..........
Easy there Thomas,
I don't really think I was "ragging" on the competition. The man asked for my opinion and I was giving it. I'm flying the 902 presently, like it and think it is an improvement over the 900. I've also been with two companies now who have independently evaluated the 900/902 side by side with the EC135 for an EMS/SAR/Utility role and have opted for the Explorer, without my input I might add. I'm also able to look at performance charts, dimensions and seating arrangements and make a reasonable comparison. I respect that you fly the 135 and have a tenderness for it. It is also a great aircraft. Give the man your opinion then. That's what an opinion is, your point of view biased toward your beliefs. You don't have to give a disclaimer that there are alternatives out there, everyone already knows that. My real opinion is that I would buy three new 412s instead of four lights, but I didn't say that. I am curious what "problems that won't go away" that you are referring to on the 902?
ITG
I don't really think I was "ragging" on the competition. The man asked for my opinion and I was giving it. I'm flying the 902 presently, like it and think it is an improvement over the 900. I've also been with two companies now who have independently evaluated the 900/902 side by side with the EC135 for an EMS/SAR/Utility role and have opted for the Explorer, without my input I might add. I'm also able to look at performance charts, dimensions and seating arrangements and make a reasonable comparison. I respect that you fly the 135 and have a tenderness for it. It is also a great aircraft. Give the man your opinion then. That's what an opinion is, your point of view biased toward your beliefs. You don't have to give a disclaimer that there are alternatives out there, everyone already knows that. My real opinion is that I would buy three new 412s instead of four lights, but I didn't say that. I am curious what "problems that won't go away" that you are referring to on the 902?
ITG
Last edited by inthegreen; 23rd Jun 2002 at 06:10.
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sir: instead of pricey light twins that offer little advantage, why not put as-350b3 or 407's on line, you could field 4 fully equipped for the price of two light twins ( md 902 / 135 ). all the aforementioned airframes can do the job. but with the 412 on staff, why not look towards an airframe that operate in tight areas, loads of power and all the capability of the light twins at half the cost. the most capable aircraft in the world is not much good if it is u/s waiting for spares etc. going with the 350 or 407 would allow you the luxury of actually having a true backup a/c 24/7. as for capability, other than full engine failure, what can a 902 / 135 do better than the as-350b3
chopper dr
chopper dr
what can a 902 / 135 do better than the as-350b3
It is all about mission profile.
NYPD have been looking for a long time ... well over a year. Last year they were looking at singles including the Koala.
I can only assume that all the time they have been looking has led them to identify a low level urban mission that would be better served with two engines. One I am aware of is night-time 300 feet over the Central Park trees.
Ok there is only one gearbox, rotor etc.. but when low down an engine run-down is far more embarassing than at a height where they can choose a spot to land.
It is all about mission profile.
NYPD have been looking for a long time ... well over a year. Last year they were looking at singles including the Koala.
I can only assume that all the time they have been looking has led them to identify a low level urban mission that would be better served with two engines. One I am aware of is night-time 300 feet over the Central Park trees.
Ok there is only one gearbox, rotor etc.. but when low down an engine run-down is far more embarassing than at a height where they can choose a spot to land.
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Well, the NYPD has gotten a new helo. The public launch for the media was yesterday. This is how NY's Newsday ran the story.
Kinda 180 from the talk a year ago but it's a fine helo.
Cops Get New Chopper
The Police Department's aviation unit unveiled the latest addition to its fleet Wednesday: a $9.8 million state-of-the art helicopter.
The Bell 412 EP chopper is one of seven assorted helicopters used by the NYPD, but this particular one is equipped with all the latest in high-tech surveillance equipment.
"This new helicopter is another powerful tool that will be used to both save the lives of New Yorkers and to help in our relentless fight in both conventional crime and the threat of terrorism," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Some of the bells and whistles on the chopper include an advanced photo and video system that is equipped with long-range optics. The camera system is so sophisticated it is capable of reading a license plate from 1,000 feet away, making it five times more powerful than the older surveillance equipment.
The cameras also have the ability to be switched to infrared for night operations.
The helicopter is equipped with a microwave downloading system that is capable of downlinking images to police headquarters and to portable handheld devices on the ground.
"Police officials can use other portable video systems at major events and assess the size of a crowd," said Kelly as the chopper loomed behind him in a hangar at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn.
The onboard computer boasts a mobile digital terminal that gives the crew the ability to access department databases to get information such as names and license plate numbers while in the air.
The chopper also has the latest technology in GPS tracking systems, mapping, radios and telephones.
The 412, as it is known, seats three crew members and seven passengers. It was paid for by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and is the only one of its kind being used by a police department.
The Police Department's aviation unit unveiled the latest addition to its fleet Wednesday: a $9.8 million state-of-the art helicopter.
The Bell 412 EP chopper is one of seven assorted helicopters used by the NYPD, but this particular one is equipped with all the latest in high-tech surveillance equipment.
"This new helicopter is another powerful tool that will be used to both save the lives of New Yorkers and to help in our relentless fight in both conventional crime and the threat of terrorism," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Some of the bells and whistles on the chopper include an advanced photo and video system that is equipped with long-range optics. The camera system is so sophisticated it is capable of reading a license plate from 1,000 feet away, making it five times more powerful than the older surveillance equipment.
The cameras also have the ability to be switched to infrared for night operations.
The helicopter is equipped with a microwave downloading system that is capable of downlinking images to police headquarters and to portable handheld devices on the ground.
"Police officials can use other portable video systems at major events and assess the size of a crowd," said Kelly as the chopper loomed behind him in a hangar at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn.
The onboard computer boasts a mobile digital terminal that gives the crew the ability to access department databases to get information such as names and license plate numbers while in the air.
The chopper also has the latest technology in GPS tracking systems, mapping, radios and telephones.
The 412, as it is known, seats three crew members and seven passengers. It was paid for by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and is the only one of its kind being used by a police department.
Last edited by Bronx; 23rd Oct 2003 at 16:50.
The fact remains that after all the talk they walked away from twin engines and are expecting delivery of the first replacement single engine A119 Koala any time now.
Still it has the PWC PT-6 ... '... probably the most reliable engine in the world...' [say that sounds a familiar line] but a fadec on a single can be tricky to handle at low altitude [so winch every time no fixed lines please ....].
Still it has the PWC PT-6 ... '... probably the most reliable engine in the world...' [say that sounds a familiar line] but a fadec on a single can be tricky to handle at low altitude [so winch every time no fixed lines please ....].
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Nowhere in here do I see the EC130 B4 mentioned
As they are going with single engine,this would be an excellent aircraft.Good viz, lots of power, quiet,fast and maintenance friendly-everything they would need.Unlike the noisy, maintenance demanding Koala.
Just my 2 cents
As they are going with single engine,this would be an excellent aircraft.Good viz, lots of power, quiet,fast and maintenance friendly-everything they would need.Unlike the noisy, maintenance demanding Koala.
Just my 2 cents
