The Utah County Sheriff’s Office has signed an acquisition agreement for a Diamond DA62 MPP special mission aircraft, further expanding the aircraft’s presence within the United States law enforcement aviation sector. The agreement was announced jointly by Diamond Aircraft and AirMax Patrol.

The new aircraft will be equipped with a long-range imaging system combining high-definition colour and thermal infrared sensors within a stabilised package. The system is designed to support aerial surveillance, subject tracking, situational awareness and coordination with ground response teams during both day and night operations.

Enhanced search and rescue capability

The DA62 MPP will also incorporate an airborne emergency location and communications system intended to support search and rescue operations across Utah County’s varied terrain, which ranges from mountainous areas to large inland water bodies.

According to the announcement, the system will enable deputies to detect and establish two-way communications with mobile phones located beyond conventional cellular coverage areas. This capability is expected to assist search and rescue teams in locating lost or injured individuals and maintaining communication with them while directing ground responders to their location.

Sheriff Mike Smith of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office said the aircraft represents an investment in modern public safety capabilities.

“Protecting Utah County means making smart, forward-looking investments in the tools our deputies need to do their jobs. This aircraft extends our reach across every corner of the county — with the endurance, capability, and cost-efficiency that taxpayers deserve from modern public safety operations,” he said.

Growing role in US law enforcement aviation

Diamond Aircraft said the acquisition reflects growing interest in the DA62 MPP platform among law enforcement agencies in the United States.

Jerome Berg, Sales Manager for Diamond Aircraft’s Special Mission Division, said the aircraft continues to gain acceptance among operators evaluating special mission platforms.

“American law enforcement agencies are among the most operationally rigorous evaluators of special mission aircraft anywhere in the world. The DA62 MPP continues to earn their confidence,” Berg said.

The announcement follows increasing operational visibility for the DA62 MPP within California’s law enforcement aviation community, where the aircraft has undergone evaluation by multiple agencies.

John Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of AirMax Patrol, said agencies are assessing the platform for its endurance, low acoustic signature and operating efficiency.

“The DA62 MPP is attracting serious evaluation from some of the most sophisticated airborne law enforcement programmes in the country,” Nielsen said.

Local integration support

Mission equipment for the Utah County aircraft will be installed by Rapid Imaging Solutions (RIS), a Utah-based special mission aircraft integrator and AirMax Patrol partner.

Steve Pierce, Chief Executive Officer of Rapid Imaging Solutions, said the project would provide advanced operational capabilities while supporting public safety efforts within the company’s local community.

The DA62 MPP is part of Diamond Aircraft’s special mission portfolio and is utilised globally for government, commercial and public safety operations.