Photos: Reproduction X @NPAShq
The UK National Police (NPAS) has ordered seven new Airbus H135 helicopters as part of its fleet renewal plan.
According to a statement from Airbus Helicopters, NPAS placed an order for seven new Airbus H135 helicopters to replace older police aircraft used in the UK’s fleet.
The contract establishes Airbus as the exclusive helicopter supplier for the National Police Air Service for up to six years.
Currently, the National Police operates 6 H135s and 4 H145s at 14 bases across England and Wales, providing air support to 43 police forces.
Photos: Reproduction X @NPAShq
The new aircraft will feature the Helionix avionics system, developed by Airbus to increase safety and operational efficiency, significantly reducing the workload of the pilots.
One of the new aircraft will be dedicated to training pilots on the new system before the entire fleet is fully operational.
According to NPAS Operations Director and Responsible Manager, Vicki White, the units receive more than 100 calls daily for air support. The first aircraft will be received in 2027.
Last month, 2,951 calls for national police air support were received. The proportion of air support tasks resulting in a positive outcome since April ’23 is 88.8%. For our latest performance information and details of some of our November taskings, go to https://t.co/ea1p49UqfU pic.twitter.com/QmSiY1O3aa
— National Police Air Service (@NPAShq) December 11, 2023
Photos: X @NPAShq. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
