HBPD Debuts New Helicopter - Feb. 2023

The Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) unveiled the first of three new police helicopters at the HBPD helipad. The second and third helicopters will arrive within the next few months. The three new MD 530F helicopters will replace the department’s existing fleet and feature a higher 3,350-pound gross weight, increased cruise speed, improved flight characteristics in confined areas, and lower direct operating costs compared to the older aircraft.
The Huntington Beach Police Air Support Unit was formed in 1968 with the primary mission to fly in support of the police, fire, and marine safety operations. Those operations include, but are not limited to, patrol ground operations, surveillance, aerial photo/intelligence gathering missions, observation support for police, fire, and marine safety operations, as well as SWAT operations and Emergency/Disaster surveying. The unit not only provides air support for the City of Huntington Beach but is also contracted to serve Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Newport Beach.
In the Unit’s 54-year history, MD helicopters have been flown for 40 years, equating to 150,000 hours of flight time.
In 2021, the HBPD signed a $10 million purchase agreement for three MD 530F helicopters equipped with the latest law enforcement technology. The City recouped approximately $3 million by selling the previously used HBPD helicopters.

[@jhill4071]

Boeing retired and HB resident for 45-yrs. Huntington Beach is a good place to live and it is generally agreed that it has the finest police department in California if not the entire nation. Based on cost vs effective value the procurement of three MD 530F helicopters via tax payer funding it is money well spent. Over the years the helicopters have proven to be a great deterrent to crime and they are appreciated.

[@PrinceMrshl-rj5xk]

Please Huntington Beach police help me I LOVE YOU.

[@PrinceMrshl-rj5xk]

🎉🎉🎉

[@chippyjohn1]

Talks about learning about the helicopter and calls it an MD350

[@crazyralph6386]

Is it a Hughes/Astar hybrid? 😂

[@jon897]

Does it have a name?

[@azilll]

HB1.

[@jon897]

@@azilll practical, but not fun.