Phoenix, Arizona – July, 2025 – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has announced during APSCON 2025 that the Columbus Department of Public Safety has signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 505 helicopters. The new aircraft will strengthen and modernise the Division of Police’s aerial capabilities, serving the nearly two million residents of the Columbus Metropolitan Area.
“Bell is proud to support the Columbus Division of Police as they upgrade their aviation section with two Bell 505s,” said Lane Evans, Managing Director of North America, Bell. “With the Bell 505’s modern design, contemporary camera system, and advanced technologies, the Division has the option to operate at higher altitudes more efficiently. The Bell 505 continues to be a highly sought-after aircraft in the public safety field for its multi-mission capabilities.”
The Bell 505s will be deployed for key public safety missions, including aerial patrols, airborne law enforcement support, ground officer assistance, and critical search operations. In the coming months, Columbus police pilots will receive specialised training on the Bell 505 platform at the state-of-the-art Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas.
Equipped with a Safran Arrius 2R engine, dual-channel FADEC, and the Garmin G1000H NXi all-glass cockpit with moving map display, the Bell 505 is among the most technologically advanced aircraft in its class. Wide panoramic windows, an open cabin design, and Synthetic Vision technology make it particularly well-suited to public safety missions requiring situational awareness and flexibility.
Bell continues to be a trusted partner for law enforcement and public safety operators worldwide, with the Bell 505 proving its value as a versatile and mission-ready platform.
SOURCE AND IMAGE©: BELL TEXTRON INC
