Fort Worth Police Department Accepts Delivery of Second Bell 505
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces the delivery of a second Bell 505 to the Fort Worth Police Department. Bell executives and city officials celebrated this achievement together in the police department’s hangar at Meacham Airport. The relationship between Bell and the city of Fort Worth dates back almost 75 years.
“All of us at Bell value our long-standing relationships with the city of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Police Department, and we are proud to be a partner in supporting the city’s public safety initiatives and advancing the department’s impact with this added capability,” says Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer and incoming Bell CEO. “Nearly 75 years after Bell’s move to Fort Worth, this city remains home for us, and we look forward to seeing this new aircraft serve the citizens of Fort Worth.”
In 1951, Lawrence D. Bell broke ground in Fort Worth on Bell Aircraft Corporation’s helicopter division, to be called Bell Helicopter. Almost 75 years later, Bell has completed several consolidation and modernization efforts and established new facilities in Fort Worth to support advanced manufacturing operations. With about 4,600 employees in North Texas, Bell continues to bring long-term economic growth and highly skilled jobs to the region.
"We take so much pride in the city of Fort Worth's strong, lasting partnership with Bell, and it's fitting that today we are celebrating the delivery of the top-tier Bell 505 helicopter to one of the best police departments in the nation,” says Fort Worth mayor, Mattie Parker. "This new addition to the Fort Worth Police Department will ensure officers have the advanced capabilities, safety enhancements, and operational reach they need to serve and protect our community with even greater efficiency and urgency."
The Fort Worth Police Department Air Support Unit has operated a series of Bell aircraft since 1968, including Bell 47s and Bell 206 Jet Rangers. In 2021, the Department accepted delivery of its first Bell 505. The addition of a second Bell 505 to the fleet further enhances the operational performance of the police department and plays a vital role in supporting versatile missions across the city.
“The Fort Worth Police Department’s new Bell helicopter will be an outstanding addition to our Air Support Unit and a testament to our ongoing commitment to public safety,” says Chief Eddie Garcia, Fort Worth Police Department. “This aircraft’s advanced technology enhances our ability to keep officers on the ground safe. It also gives us the ability to respond swiftly and effectively, keeping Fort Worth residents safe as well. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Bell, a company that exemplifies innovation and excellence right here in our own community.”
The Bell 505 was introduced in 2014 and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2017. There are now more than 600 Bell 505s operating in more than 66 countries on six continents, surpassing 300,000 total fleet flight hours. With a speed of 125 knots (232 kilometers/hour) and a useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms), the Bell 505 is designed to be easy to fly while providing significant value to the operator. The customer-driven design of the aircraft with best-in-class cabin visibility places safety, performance and affordability at the forefront, blending proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design.
To learn more, visit https://www.bellflight.com/products/bell-505/public-safety.