Chicago police unveil 1st of 3 new helicopters Friday

CHICAGO — Chicago police and Mayor Brandon Johnson officially unveiled the department’s new helicopter on Friday.

It is one of three that the Chicago Police Department expects to add by the end of the year.

The plan was to have the helicopter, a Bell-429, in place ahead of the Democratic National Convention.

If you’ve been in the city, including this past weekend at the Air & Water Show, you may have already seen it airbourne — blue in color with the checkered band on its side.

The city intially inked a nearly $12 million contract with Bell Textron to add two new single-engine Bell-206 helicopters, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In March, city documents show the mayor signed off on a modified contract using federal grant money to add the third helicopter at the cost of an additional $11 million.

The Bell-429 is a twin-engine and is significantly faster than anything else in the department’s current fleet.

According to the contract, the helicopter was to be outfitted with night vision, a loudspeaker and equipment to rappel off each side.

Chicago police have three helicopters currently, which are frequently grounded for maintenance and repairs.

Sources tell WGN News the longterm plan to keep one of the older ones, while adding the three new ones.

Bell released the following statement Friday:

“With its cutting edge technology and multi-mission assets, the Bell 407GXi and Bell 429 continue to be platforms of choice for public safety agencies around the world. Both platforms offer distinctive, multi-mission capabilities that will advance the Chicago Police Department’s existing fleet”

Ben Lassiter, regional sales manager, Bell.

The chopper landed Friday morning in the south lot of Soldier Field as part of the official reveal.

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