Features Aircraft manufacturers
Bell delivers a 505-first to Alameda Sheriff’s Office

Bell Textron delivered the first Bell manufactured public safety configured 505 Jet Ranger X to Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit.

“Bell is proud to deliver Alameda County Sheriff’s Office with one of the most technologically equipped short light single aircraft on the market today,” said Doug Schoen, managing director, Bell, North America. “With more than 250 Bell 505s in service and 45,000 fleet flight hours, the aircraft continues to showcase mission capability, exceptional performance and unmatched direct operating cost in its class.”

The public safety configuration of the Bell 505 includes the following onboard equipment:

• 17-inch Macro-Blue MB17W Display,
• AEM 300-watt Loudhailer system,
• Trakkabeam TLX Searchlight mounted on an AA AFT Hardpoint,
• Wescam MX-10 Camera mounted on an Aeronautical Accessories’ FWD Hardpoint,
• PS Engineering PAC45 Digital Audio System with Pilot and Copilot individual audio controllers,
• Churchill ARS700 Map System Interfaced to the MX-10 and TLX Searchlight,
• Two dual USB charging ports,
• AeroDynamix NVG Cockpit lighting,
• High Skid Gear,
• Technisonic TDFM-9100 Radio, and
• Cargo Hook equipment.

“This force-multiplier will enable us to quickly respond to any emergency within the region, thus elevating our service to the community,” said Gregory Ahern, Alameda County’s Sheriff.

The Bell 505 is rated for a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg).