Eurocopter has delivered two AS350B3s to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aircraft Section. The helicopters come equipped with a thermal imaging system, searchlight, moving map and 500-lb rescue hoist. Metro Aviation installed the avionics and performed completions work. One of the AS350B3s will be based in Alpine, replacing an AS350BA. DPS will station the second helicopter at a new base in Longview. The DPS fleet, which carries out SAR, homeland security and tactical missions throughout Texas, also includes 13 AS350 A-Stars and one EC145.



Photo shows DPS Aircraft Section crew preparing for hoist training on one of the new helicopters.
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