Grand Prairie, Texas – American Eurocopter highlighted the multi-mission functionality of its AS350 B3 helicopter during the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference in Orlando from October 24th-26th. On display at the American Eurocopter booth was the AS350B3 currently in service with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) in Sanford, Florida.

“The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office AS350B3 demonstrates the true multi-role capabilities that Law Enforcement agencies are looking for in a helicopter,” says Ed Van Winkle, American Eurocopter’s Law Enforcement Market Manager. “The AS350 family of helicopters is one of the leading platforms in the Law Enforcement market because it is such a versatile and powerful aircraft.”

The SCSO Aviation Unit performs a wide variety of missions including Law Enforcement (LE) patrol, tactical operations (including fast-roping and rappelling), search & rescue and fire fighting. To accomplish these missions, the SCSO required a helicopter that could accommodate all the equipment and still provide the power and reliability they needed.

The AS350 B3 was their choice. “The B3 stood out from the other aircraft in its class because of its multi-mission flexibility, cabin size and definitely its performance,” said Steve Farris, Chief Pilot for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, who attended IACP with the aircraft.

The Seminole County AS350B3 displayed at IACP is equipped with a full complement of LE equipment including infrared imager with daytime color camera, searchlight, moving map system and tactical radios. In addition to the standard LE equipment package, the SCSO helicopter also has a rescue hoist, tactical platforms for SWAT personnel and a cargo swing for firefighting operations.

“Our AS350B3 has proven to be a reliable performer,” continued Farris. “We train with our mission equipment on our AS350B3 on a regular basis.”

The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is now operating an all-Eurocopter fleet, which includes an EC120 and its AS350 B3. The department counts on American Eurocopter to keep their helicopters up-to-date and ready for action. “American Eurocopter provides the service and support needed to keep us in the air serving the citizens of Seminole County,” said Farris.

Equipped with a dual channel FADEC, a vehicle and engine multifunction display (VEMD) that incorporates a first limit indicator (FLI), dual hydraulics, and powered by an ARRIEL 2B1 847 SHP turbine engine, the AS350 B3 maximizes aircraft availability while ensuring the safety of its crew.

About American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer that produces, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer in the United States. The company is a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services, and is an affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world. American Eurocopter’s product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facilities are located in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, MS, that produces the UH-72A for the U.S. Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program.