Sept. 06--There's a new Air One in town.
Austin police on Friday unveiled a $3.75 million helicopter that will help fight crime and fires in the area.
The six-seat Air One, a Eurocopter AS350 B3e, is outfitted with military grade equipment, from a 17-inch monitor to an infrared thermal imaging system to track suspects or stolen goods.
It is expected to be a game changer, city and police officials said Friday.
"In a city where we know we are limited, it's going to be a force multiplier," Chief Art Acevedo said.
Acevedo, flanked by other area city and police leaders, was speaking Friday from the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, moments before the new helicopter made its debut close to the hangar where the department's fleet is maintained.
The addition will bring the department's total air support fleet to three helicopters. The newest member will also be used to fight fires, officials said.
Among its advantages, the aircraft can carry SWAT personnel, fit the department's smallest bomb unit robot and carry water to fires, officials said.
"It will be the eye in the sky for the Austin police department and for firefighters," Mayor Lee Leffingwell said.
What was previously referred to as Air One, a 12-year-old helicopter, will now become Air Two. The former Air Two, a military surplus helicopter built in 1969, will stay on as Air Three for additional support.
The purchase was approved by City Council in August 2012. The city approved the $3 million purchase and authorized another $1 to fully outfit the aircraft.
The Eurocopter AS350 B3e is described as a powerful, high-performance aircraft that some countries use for military personnel and by police forces for demanding missions.
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