On April 2nd, the Polk County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) recieved a Robinson Helicopter Company R66 police helicopter configured with a Wescam MX-10 EO/IR imaging system and an HD infrared sensor, a system widely used by homeland security and law enforcement agencies.
In addition to a standard Spectrolab SX-7 Starsun searchlight system, PCSO’s R66 includes an optional Aerocomputers UC-6000 digital mapping system, auxiliary fuel tank, impact resistant windshield, Garmin’s G500H TXi 1060 flight display with synthetic vision, and NVG-rated instruments for a future NVG certification.
PCSO air support flies on average 1,100 hours each year. Centrally located between Orlando and Tampa, PSCO provides air support for every law enforcement agency in its 2,000-square-mile county as well as surrounding counties.
“Having a robust aviation unit is critical to our mission of keeping people safe. Not only is this aircraft a great asset to law enforcement, it allows us to cost effectively support and protect our citizens better than other options out there,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.
