ILA 2006, Berlin, Germany - May, 16 2006 - Bell Helicopter a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), today announced that the City of Chicago has placed an order for a new Bell 206B3 for use by its Police Department. Scheduled for delivery November 2006, the 206B3 will be used for aerial law enforcement missions throughout the City of Chicago. The new aircraft will double the number of aircraft operated by the department. They currently operate a Bell Long Ranger.
Commenting on the order, Commander Harold Hohm, of the Chicago Police Aviation Division said; "We did a great deal of research before deciding on a Bell 206B3 for support of our law enforcement mission. Bell's reputation and history of providing quality products and customer service greatly influenced our decision."
With over 5,000 JetRangers built since its introduction in the 206 series has proven to be one of the most popular helicopters for use in law enforcement. Operating with police forces around the world this reliable aircraft has logged over 40 million flying hours over since the first delivery in 1967 providing airborne police protection 24/7.
Bell Helicopter Director of Homeland Security Paul Pitts commenting on the order said; "Orders like this go beyond making a sale. Everyone at Bell Helicopter is proud to be able to provide products like the 206B3 to help the professionals in law enforcement like the Chicago Police Department safely complete their missions. Bell Helicopter has a long and rich heritage of providing quality products and customer service to law enforcement other first responders. Supporting these missions is about helping people and that's the real benefit of vertical lift aircraft."
Bell Helicopter provided the first helicopter ever used for law enforcement to the City of New York in 1948. Today some of the most sophisticated airborne law enforcement aircraft in the world are produced and equipped by Bell Helicopter.
Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
Textron Inc is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees in continuing operations. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.