Grand Prairie, TX – American Eurocopter announced that it has delivered another AS350 B3 to the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support unit. This is the fifth AS350 B3 in the unit’s fleet of helicopters that has grown to meet the needs of its citizens and its expanding coverage area.

The Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit was established in 1973. The unit’s primary mission is to support to the Phoenix PD’s ground patrol units and it never closes. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and covers an area of more than 500 square miles with over 1.5 million residents.

The Air Support Unit began operating AS350s in 2005. The unit’s coverage area has continued to grow, so it has had to expand its fleet. The AS350 has been an integral part of the unit’s growth and has been a workhorse in the fleet.

“Our helicopters need to have proven performance and reliability to handle the variety of missions we perform,” said Phil Tilford, Chief Pilot of the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit. “The AS350 B3 has been very dependable and has one of the lowest operating costs in its class, so it was an easy choice.”
The AS350 is a powerful and reliable aircraft that has established itself in the law enforcement community with unparalleled visibility and proven law enforcement integration. With its unmatched performance, low operating costs, flexibility for extensive mission equipment options and added safety of its multiple-redundancy system design, the AS350 B3 has earned its reputation as a true multi-mission helicopter.

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.