A new era of aeronautical law enforcement has taken off following the arrival of the state of Western Australia (WA)’s first five-blade Airbus H145 helicopter.
The aviation asset is part of a 54.3million-Australian-dollar state government funded upgrade to the WA Police Force Air Wing fleet.
The investment includes A$7.6 million for operating and maintenance costs, along with the recruitment of two licensed aircraft engineers to be based at Jandakot.
Western Australia is the first law enforcement jurisdiction to operate the new H145 helicopter in the southern hemisphere, giving officers access to the most advanced air support technology available.
An Airbus A145 can be rapidly deployed, allowing it to be airborne within two minutes, compared to the 10 minutes it currently takes using other aircraft.
This enhanced capability, as well as the helicopter’s new safety features and reduced maintenance requirements, will boost public protection as police respond to emergencies and crime.
A second H145 helicopter is currently under construction in Germany. It’s expected to be in Perth and fully operational by March 2024.
The existing Kawasaki Bolkow BK117 helicopter will remain in service until the second H145 helicopter is fully operational.
The Dauphin helicopter has been successfully decommissioned and traded to Airbus.
“This new helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enhancing the aerial advantage WA Police has when responding to evolving emergencies,” said police minister Paul Papalia.
“The increased capability means Air Wing can be airborne eight minutes faster than previously possible and that improved response time is invaluable when reacting to a situation where every second counts.
“The WA Police Force has more officers and more operational assets than ever before.”
“Working with officers on the ground, a single aircraft is a proven force-multiplier,” added Air Wing Officer in Charge Superintendent Paul Daly.
“With its enhanced safety features and significantly reduced maintenance requirements, the five bladed H145 is an ideal aircraft for the various law enforcement missions carried out by Police Air Wing.”
