​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Helicopters

Our helicopters have a daytime camera, an infrared camera, and a spotlight. They can send live video to a receiver, which can be securely streamed online. Our pilots use night vision goggles. They are trained in various rescue methods, including short-haul, rappel and close-quarter loading. They work with the Minnesota Air Rescue Team (MART) for search and rescue missions. The State Patrol Special Response Team uses similar skills for tactical operations.

The Bell 429 helicopter uses two Pratt & Whitney Canada turboshaft engines. Each engine provides 719 shaft horsepower for takeoff and 635 shaft horsepower for continuous operation. The Bell 429’s twin engines allow the crew to return safely to an airport if one engine fails. The helicopter also features a side-mounted hoist that makes it easier to lift rescue victims into the cabin from hard-to-reach terrain. 

The Bell 407’s Rolls-Royce turbine engine is capable of providing 813 shaft horsepower. However, it’s limited to 674 shaft horsepower for takeoff and 630 shaft horsepower for continuous operation. ​At full power, the engine’s compressor runs at 51,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), the main rotor blades spin at 413 rpm, and the tail rotor spins at 2500 rpm. ​It holds 146 gallons of fuel and uses about 48 gallons of jet A fuel per hour.  

Airplanes

We use airplanes for traffic enforcement, and transporting law enforcement personnel and equipment.  

The Cirrus SR22 has a daytime camera and an infrared camera, and can send live video. We use it for traffic enforcement, pursuit mitigation, search-and-find missions and monitoring important events.