Topeka P.D. Eyes Replacing Fleet With R44s

The Topeka, Kan. Police Dept. is looking to the Robinson R44 to replace its aging two-helicopter fleet. It now flies a Bell OH-58C, which is within 175 hr. of an engine overhaul, and a Hughes/Schweizer 300C. A Schweizer 269C was lost in a November forced landing. The Topeka city council is to vote in two weeks on acquiring an R44 with a FLIR Ultra 8500 sensor package; plans are to acquire a second, similarly equipped R44 next year, according Helicopter Sgt. Mike Boucher of the aviation unit. More