The Associated Press
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - It will take almost a year for McDonnell Douglas to deliver a new, made-to-order $5.1 million helicopter to the West Virginia State Police but troopers say the product is worth the wait.
“We’ll finally get a helicopter we can do our job in,” said Sgt. Steve Knotts, chief pilot and director of aviation for the State Police.
The state-of-the-art MD 902 Explorer will allow the agency to move troopers quickly, a capability that its current pair of Vietnam-era OH-6 helicopters lack, Gov. Bob Wise said.
“We want to make sure we can respond quickly,” Wise said. “This will make a world of difference.”
Lt. Col. Steve Tucker said the older helicopters also limit the State Police’s ability to respond to disasters.
“The ones we have are not capable of flying in inclement weather,” Tucker said. “That rules out natural disasters. They don’t have carrying power.”
Lawmakers approved funding for the helicopter during a special session in November.
The MD 902 Explorer can carry seven passengers plus the pilot and can fly up to about 160 mph. It will be equipped with a winch, infrared camera, searchlight, night-vision-goggle compatible lighting and two engines.
“It is most suitable for our missions,” Knotts said. “And it’s American. That will make it easier to get parts.”