Airbus delivers first of 16 advanced law enforcement H125 helicopters to U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Columbus, Miss., August 19, 2020 – Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (AHI)
has delivered the first of 16 new H125 helicopters uniquely configured for U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO). AMO
collaborated with AHI as part of a long-term fleet upgrade initiative, and the
resulting configuration has led to one of the most advanced, high-tech law
enforcement helicopters ever developed.
“Our mission is to safeguard the nation by anticipating and confronting
security threats,” said Steve Boyer, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner
for AMO. “Airbus Helicopters’ continued commitment to designing, manufacturing,
and delivering quality products will enable AMO personnel to successfully and
safely carry out this mission.”
The first helicopter for the new configuration was tested and delivered from
Airbus Helicopters, Inc.’s facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. The remaining
aircraft are being built in Columbus, Miss, where a workforce made up of 40
percent U.S. veterans also produces the UH-72A Lakota for the U.S. Army and has
delivered more than 450 single-engine H125 aircraft for the North American
market.
Following a rigorous analysis of its mission needs and next generation
aerospace technology, AMO developed a set of requirements for the new
helicopters, which Airbus put in place through nearly 30 Supplemental Type
Certificates (STCs). The series of STCs are tied together through a primary
all-encompassing STC that ensures all of the systems interact properly with one
another and with the basic aircraft.
Airbus and AMO have a longstanding relationship of more than 30 years, during
which Airbus has delivered more than 100 helicopters from the H120 and H125
family. This new acquisition was made possible through a partnership with
Davenport Aviation, an SBA-certified woman-owned small business and HUBZone
contractor specializing in the supply of aerospace equipment to federal, state
and local government agencies.
“We are honored to partner with Airbus Helicopters
and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to support this fleet upgrade for
enhanced law enforcement capabilities through the procurement of 16 new H125
helicopters from our GSA contract,” said Leah Simoes, Owner and Chairwoman of
Davenport Aviation. “Throughout this project, we have been very appreciative of
the support we have received from Airbus and CBP of our WOSB, HUBZone Certified
small business.”
Known for its power, versatility and excellent performance in hot and high
conditions, the H125 features dual hydraulics, dual channel engine FADEC, a
crash resistant fuel system, and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. The
H125 is the single most popular law enforcement helicopter in the U.S.,
accounting for nearly half of all helicopters delivered for that mission in
North America over the last decade.
Photo courtesy CBP