Ideal law chopper

Gummy · November 18, 2003

Just wondering what types of things you guys would like to see in a copper chopper.

The other thing Im interested in is do you actually need all those seats. Many police choppers seem to be 5+ seating, yet most of the time run 2 up. I know that some forces in the US run 300Cs for observation role, with a turbine to back them up.

Are most forces running larger ships for the extra payload?

Thanx

DonRow · November 19, 2003

MD 500 series without a doubt. Small, nimble, And intimadating I think. Your right they dont need that much helo. Well maybe the size is to acamadate for all the new equipment.

Heloplt · November 19, 2003

We fly the 500 series--You are absolutely correct about the nimble and small part. They are a blast to fly, but you add a light, camera, microwave gear and all the assorted radios and you have a maxed out aircraft. Forget about that bambi bucket, rappel demo, or rescue. And don't even think about putting the mayor in the back seat for that hour long flight to the state capitol building (unless he/she is under 5' 0" or likes the kink in the neck and the gentle scream of the transmission 3 inches from his/her head). I know that you can put the mayor up front with you, but I have found that most would rather sit in back--it makes them look important, kind of like getting out of the back of a limo (what VIP would ride up front in a limo after all?). For straight patrol I love the 500 series, but each additional seat back there means more horse power out of the engine to accommodate the extra potential weight. That translates into more capabilities when it comes to rescue, fire fighting, or demos. We also fly 407's and the extra power allows us to perform a lot more functions that we would not be able to perform in the 500 series. The 407 is also much quieter and the airconditioning cuts the fatigue level way down. The 500 with the doors off is a much better observation platform than the 407 though. Each aircraft has its positive and negative aspects. Depending on the agency and the missions flown an aircraft that is perfect for department "A" may not work well at all for department "B". Even in the same agency the same aircraft may not work for all of the varied missions that may come up. So you look for a trade off and if the money and support (which can change with each new administration) are there get enough helicopter to fly all of the foreseeable missions that will come up. If the money is not there for the big ship, get a patrol ship but make sure the administration is aware of the performance limitations so they won't expect you to strap that 100 gallon bambi bucket to the bottom of your shiny new 300.

As you pointed out Gummy, in a multi ship agency a smaller aircraft might just be the ticket for patrol and the larger ship for specialized missions and that is what we do to some extent. The 500's handle patrol only while the 407's do patrol and the other missions that the 500 can't safely perform.

So what is the perfect law enforcement helicopter?? My answer would be whatever you happen to be flying or purchasing, because at least you have an agency willing to invest the money and resources to having an aviation unit and most agencies out there have nothing (IMHO).

What would I like in a law enforcement helicopter?? Something that is smooth (Ohhhh, that 5 bladed MD system is like skating on glass when its tracked right), comfortable, and never hits redline on temp or torque no matter what mission I'm performing. And as an afterthought, its always nice to have a top end fast enough so that you never have to watch as the pursuit you are over pulls away from you leaving you in the dust............

DonRow · November 19, 2003

Thats what I thought about the equipment thing.. :

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HeliMark · November 19, 2003

I think the best way to answer the question is depended on the department that needs it. If it were up to us pilots, that new S-92 would just about do it . And I love flying the 500, but it really depends on the mission the department wants to do with it and how much they have to spend. See what you want to carry, then what money you have and work with that. You most likely will not get the helicopter you really want, but you get what you can.

You will find most departments going for the bigger ships to carry all the equipment, be somewhat comfortable and still be able to carry 1-2 passengers and or K-9, bomb squad stuff..etc when needed. I currently fly a 500 at max gross weight with just two of us, and you should see the fun of working it at 8K'!

henry1pilot · November 20, 2003

I must say, I have flown the 500,520N ASTAR, The Long Ranger L-3, L-4 and to date the BH407. all of these I have flown in law enforcement performing law, SAR, firefighting, Long Line, and the best aircraft with power, speed, ability to maneuver in either hot and heavy or even high altitudes is the 407. this aircraft has given us capabilities that the other Aircraft lacked, even the ASTAR does not match. I can put 407 in tight spot’s max gross and still have plenty of power to fly out. The 407 has given us the capabilities we never had before. Check out henry1.com if you have a chance.

DonRow · November 20, 2003

I think the 407 is a great helo for law enforcement just as fast as a 500 maybe not as nimble (I wouldnt know cause I never flew in one) but it dose lift alot of weight. I love it. The first time I saw one of these babys in action was back home in Hawaii when I was working for the D.O.D. It was one of Air Centers (of Texas) AEGIS was using it to retrive MK48 's for the Navy it was really cool to watch :thumb: :nuncha:

Heloplt · November 20, 2003

The 407 is way faster than the 4 bladed 500 series and a little faster then the 5 bladed ships. And as for being nimble: It is not nearly as nimble as the 500's, but it will hold its own when needed... The only concerns I have with the 407 are the cramped quarters up front and the limited visibility from up front for the observer (the all glass door would help, but we don't have them).