Airbus NYPD’s next-generation fleet with the H175

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has submitted a bid to the New York Police Department (NYPD)’s request for proposal for two new helicopters to partially replace their aging fleet of rotorcraft. Airbus is prepared to equip the New York Police Department with high-tech, high-performance search and rescue H175 helicopters.

“Airbus is honored to have the opportunity to present the capabilities of the H175 to this iconic customer as they make an informed decision as to the best possible path forward to protect and serve the citizens of New York who count on them,” said Treg Manning, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “Not only do they need a helicopter that will be a responsible neighbor in the skies with a low sound footprint, they need versatility, reliability, performance, and the most modern technologies integrating key safety features right into the helicopter – they’d get all of this, and more, in the H175.”

Called on to support, protect, and serve the more than 8.5 million citizens in all five New York City boroughs and the immediate surrounding areas, NYPD is responsible for missions that include surveillance, search and rescue, counter terrorism, SWAT, medical evacuation, high rise rescue, and firefighting. The current request for proposal for two new helicopters was released earlier this month, with an award announcement expected later this year.

Airbus’ H175 is a twin-engine helicopter that can accommodate up to two pilots and 18 passengers, and is well-suited to perform a wide range of public service missions such as search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services, law enforcement, and firefighting as well as land and maritime border control operations. It benefits from more than 20 certified cabin configurations that can be easily interchanged based on mission requirements. The H175 benefits from the latest developments of Airbus Helicopters’ state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite, which bolsters the helicopter’s search and rescue capabilities with advanced SAR modes.

“As a former police service member, I know how important it is for our nation’s law enforcement to be able to serve and protect in the specific ways that their communities need,” said Ron Kelley, airborne law enforcement segment manager at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “Serving and protecting in New York City means having the ability to perform rescues and evacuations in a busy urban setting, to operate in a maritime environment, and to be ready to fly at a moment’s notice. The entire Airbus team stands ready to support NYPD with the H175, which is a reliable and versatile platform to help them support those who need them, in any environment.”     

Airbus is committed to pioneering sustainable aerospace, integrating technologies into its latest helicopter designs that work to reduce sound levels and carbon footprints. The H175 is equipped with a variable rotor speed control system, which works to adjust the helicopter’s RPMs to reduce the sound levels when it is flying over densely populated areas like New York City. As one of the quietest helicopters in its weight class, the H175 is also fully compliant with Stage 3 noise level requirements.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, with a market share of nearly 65% and a presence dating back over 50 years. A team of more than 725 employees operates local production and completion facilities for the H125 and UH-72 Lakota aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, and provides world-class training, aftermarket support, and technical assistance from Grand Prairie, Texas. More than half of all helicopters delivered for airborne law enforcement missions in North America over the past 10 years have been from Airbus.