Maryland Troopers Seek New Aircraft

Maryland’s state police still wants new helicopters to replace its fleet of Eurocopter AS365s. The governor, Martin O’Malley, has allocated $33.6 million to start the process by acquiring three new birds, but it’s not yet clear what the new fleet will comprise. The troopers are preparing requests for proposals. They like Sikorksy Aircraft S-76-class aircraft because that size and capability suits their diverse law enforcement, homeland security, emergency medical service, and rescue missions. But the S-76’s blade droop requires shutdown at EMS scenes. Also in contention are the Eurocopter EC135 and EC145 and the Bell Helicopter 412. For related news