BELGIUM'S Gendarmerie has selected the McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems (MDHS) MD Explorer for its air component, which operates from Melsbroek air base, near Brussels.
Two aircraft will be delivered in 1996, with a third on option for 1998 delivery. They will be used for police work throughout Belgium.
MDHS says that the twin-turbine, tail-rotorless, Explorer was selected after "an extensive competition" between several helicopter manufacturers. Rival bidders included Bell, offering its 430; Agusta, proposing its A.109; and MBB-Kawaski, bidding with its BK.117. The deal was arranged by the companys' sales representatives, Helifly of Belgium and Air Hanson of the UK.
The Gendarmerie Explorers will have forward-looking infra red sensors, low-light television cameras, personnel hoists and emergency floats for over-water flights.
After delivery of the second MD900, the Gendarmerie will withdraw from service its last ageing Sud-Aviation Puma. The new MD900s will supplement the present police fleet of five Sud-Aviation Alouette IIs, which will be phased out by 1999.
Source: Flight International
