Despite the challenging economic conditions in the wake of 11 September, MD Helicopters (MDHI) reports that sales and deliveries of its single-engine helicopters for law enforcement have been ‘strong and steady' through 2002.
"The vast majority of our sales and deliveries have been to repeat customers who know from experience that our products are ideal for airborne law enforcement," says Henk Schaeken, MDHI chairman and CEO. "They are also sales that have come after rigorous competitions. We feel very confident about our position in this market."
Capability
Schaeken says that despite a trend towards larger, more heavily equipped helicopters for airborne law enforcement missions, customers are finding that MDHI's single-engine products have all the capability they need.
"The small aircraft are fast, agile and very affordable," explains Dale Christman, law enforcement specialist for MDHI. "MD500s are true multi-mission helicopters and they are doing great work for a lot of communities at a cost the budget folks can count on."
Sales to police departments around the US have included an MD500E in Mesa, an MD530F in Las Vegas, an MD500E in Columbus, an MD600N in Indianapolis and two MD520Ns in Phoenix.
Outside the US, MDHI confirms that 13 twin-engine Explorers will be delivered this year to the Dutch National Police and the state police of Baden-Wurtemberg in Stuttgart, Germany.
Source: Flight Daily News
