The Swedish ministry of the interior has taken delivery of the first of seven Pratt & Whitney Canada-powered Eurocopter EC135s ordered for the country's police force. The helicopter is due to receive category "A" certification in October, with the introduction of a new 30s-engine inoperative rating at 610kW (820shp), an increase of 11% on the PW206B. The EC135, which was selected over the MD Explorer and the Bell 427, will replace Bell 206s. Two EC135s are due for delivery in November, three more next year and the last in early 2003.
The helicopters will be used for a variety of missions and are single pilot instrument flight rules certificated. Featuring the "avionique nouvelle" glass cockpit concept designed for use with night-vision goggles, the helicopter also includes infrared camera, searchlight, cargo hook, exterior loudspeaker, emergency floats, rescue winch and casualty stretcher.
Source: Flight International
