PHOENIX, ARIZONA – July, 2025 — Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has announced the Columbus Division of Police has signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 505 helicopters, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to enhancing public safety operations in Ohio’s capital.
The new aircraft were revealed during APSCON 2025 and will join the Division’s aviation section, serving the Columbus Metropolitan Area’s nearly two million residents. The acquisition aims to modernise aerial policing capabilities, enabling more efficient airborne law enforcement and search operations.
“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 at 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 helicopters will be used for aerial patrol, critical incident response, and support of ground-based officers. In preparation, pilots from the Division will undergo specialised training at the Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas.
Equipped with a Safran Arrius 2R engine, dual channel FADEC, and the Garmin G1000H NXi all-glass avionics suite with moving map display, the Bell 505 delivers advanced performance. Additional features such as wide panoramic windows, an open cabin layout, and Synthetic Vision technology further cement its reputation as a top-tier platform for public safety missions.
Bell continues to be a trusted partner for law enforcement and emergency service providers globally, offering innovative rotary-wing solutions tailored for critical operations.
SOURCE: BELL TEXTRON INC.
