Feature story A multi-mission EC145 for the Texas Department of Public Safety

December 8, 2008

American Eurocopter President and CEO Marc Paganini (left) and Colonel Stan Clark, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, mark the EC145’s handover at American Eurocopter’s Grand Prairie, Texas Delivery Center.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today received a highly-equipped EC145 – the twin-engine helicopter from which the UH-72A is derived – for missions that include tactical operations support, law enforcement, search and rescue, fire suppression and public safety.

The handover occurred during a ceremony at the Grand Prairie, Texas Delivery Center of American Eurocopter, and will provide a larger, faster and more powerful helicopter for the Texas Department of Public Safety’s aerial unit.

Powered by two Turbomeca ARRIEL engines, the EC145 is a true multi-mission helicopter. It features a modern MEGHAS glass cockpit, optional IFR configuration with digital autopilot for single or dual pilot applications. The aircraft delivers a top speed of 145 kts. and a fast cruising speed of 131 kts.  With a duration of almost four hours aloft, it allows the Texas DPS to cover a very wide area.  

The EC145 has already demonstrated its success and reliability throughout the United States, and is rapidly becoming the platform of choice for many applications. In addition to the U.S. Army’s UH-72A Light Utility Helicopter variant, the EC145 is widely used in demanding air medical services (AMS) operations – and its proven track record in this industry was a factor in the Texas DPS’ decision to purchase the aircraft.

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