Bell Textron Inc. officials announced Nov. 4 they signed a purchase agreement for the sale of a second Bell 505 helicopter to the Fort Worth Police Department.

The backstory

According to a news release, the FWPD has always relied on Bell aircrafts to provide public safety. The aircrafts used over the years include:

• Bell 47s
• Bell 206 Jet Rangers
• Bell 505s

The news release states the department took delivery of its first Bell 505 helicopter in 2021, commemorating a 70-year relationship with the aviation company.

Quote of note

“Bell is proud the Fort Worth Police Department has chosen to expand their existing all-Bell public safety fleet with the purchase of an additional Bell 505, continuing our long-standing relationship with the department,” said Lane Evans, managing director, North America. “We remain confident that the Bell 505 platform will continue to be a great asset to the community and surrounding areas for years to come.”

A closer look

The news release states that by utilizing the Bell 505’s technology, including its dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control, Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite and Synthetic Vision technology, the helicopter will help the department increase its mission capabilities, such as search and rescue missions.