Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., announced at APSCON 2025 that the Columbus Division of Police has signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 505 helicopters. These new aircraft will significantly modernize the Division’s aerial capabilities, serving the Columbus Metropolitan Area’s nearly two million residents with advanced technology and enhanced operational flexibility.

Lane Evans, Managing Director of North America for Bell, expressed pride in supporting the Columbus Division of Police with this upgrade. He highlighted the Bell 505’s modern design, contemporary camera system, and advanced technologies that enable operations at higher altitudes more efficiently. Known for its multi-mission versatility, the Bell 505 remains a popular choice in the public safety sector.

The Columbus Division of Police intends to deploy the new Bell 505 helicopters for a variety of critical public safety missions. These include aerial patrol, providing airborne support to ground officers, and conducting search and rescue operations. To ensure pilots are fully proficient, the Division plans to send them to the Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas, for specialized training on the Bell 505 platform.

Equipped with the Safran Arrius 2R engine, dual channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), and the Garmin G1000H NXi all-glass avionics suite featuring a moving map display, the Bell 505 is one of the most technologically advanced helicopters in its class. Its wide panoramic windows, open cabin design, and Synthetic Vision technology further enhance situational awareness, making it an ideal platform for public safety operations.

With the addition of these two Bell 505s, the Columbus Division of Police is set to elevate its aerial law enforcement and emergency response capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to the safety and security of its community.