Boeing

The sale of two Boeing MD 600N helicopters and the selection of the Boeing MD Explorer helicopter by two United Kingdom police agencies were announced recently at Helitech '97.

The MD 600N helicopters will go to two unnamed private individuals in the United Kingdom. Both helicopters will be delivered in the first quarter of 1998.

The advanced version of the MD Explorer was independently selected for police use by the Dorset Constabulary and the Sussex Police. The two law enforcement agencies follow the Wiltshire Constabulary, which later this year will become the first U.K. law enforcement agency to receive the craft.

All three MD Explorers were part of a multi-aircraft sale to Police Aviation Services (PAS) of Cheltenham, that was announced last year. PAS, one of the U.K.'s foremost providers of air support to police agencies and air medical services, will operate and maintain the aircraft for the law enforcement agencies.

The MD Explorers for the Dorset Constabulary and the Sussex Police will be delivered in the first quarter of 1998. The Dorset aircraft was purchased under the auspices of the Home Office framework agreement.

Depending on requirements, the helicopters can serve as transport and patrol aircraft for police operations and can double as an air-ambulance when the need arises.

The advanced version of the MD Explorer will receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before year-end. Validation by Europe's Joint Airworthiness Authority (JAA) is expected to follow soon after. The MD 600N was certificated by the FAA this summer and is expected to receive JAA validation before year-end.

Helitech '97, held about 40 miles from London, England, is Europe's largest helicopter exhibition.

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