DPS buys AHI-Columbus helo

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety sold its fleet of helicopters, after operating with three different versions for more than a decade, and bought an AS350B3e AStar from Airbus Helicopters Inc. The helicopter was built at AHI’s Columbus, Miss., plant in January. DPS chose the AS350B3e as the best-suited multi-mission helicopter for patrol, drug eradication and hurricane support. AHI leads in sales of new helicopters to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and maintains a 56 percent share of the American market over the last10 years. The helicopter is being completed at AHI’s headquarters in Texas. It is scheduled for delivery in late springs. Source: Vertical Magazine, 03/01/14.