Aviation News Item: 10719

19th Jul 2010

Source: flightglobal.com

Eurocopter has delivered the first EC145 helicopter to the Northern Ireland police service's air support unit.

The aircraft, to be used for police reconnaissance and airborne crime fighting, is equipped with a forward looking infrared camera, video viewing and recording equipment, searchlight, public address system and a night-vision goggle compatible cockpit, says Eurocopter.

It is designed for a three-man crew, including a pilot, forward observer and rear observer, but has the capacity to carry another six officers in its main cabin.

"The introduction into service of this new EC145 by the Northern Ireland police, with its increased load-carrying capacity, represents a further major development of the use of Eurocopter products as a cost-effective and flexible application of helicopters in support of future police ground operations and strategy," says Eurocopter.

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