Multi-Role Bell 429 Performs For Fairfax Police Department | Aviation International News

Multi-Role Bell 429 Performs For Fairfax Police Department

The Fairfax County (Va.) Police Department is averaging 100 hours a month flying the first of two “game-changing” Bell 429s on law-enforcement, medevac and long-line missions.

By Mark Huber • Contributor

May 3, 2012

The first of two multi-role Bell 429 light twins delivered to the Fairfax (Virginia) County Police Department helicopter unit is already logging long hours with demonstrably better performance than the 407 it replaced, according to tactical flight officer (TFO) James Greeves, a 13-year veteran of the unit. “It really has been a game-changer for us,” he said. Compared with the 407, the 429 can insert into tighter landing zones and arrive on scene more quickly. Crews are seeing speeds of 144 to 146 knots despite the added drag of the external searchlight and camera. At 72-percent torque, the helicopter still makes 134 knots while burning 440 pph.

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