Pasadena Police Department Orders Two Bell 505 Helicopters for Fleet Upgrade

On March 11, 2026, at the VAI Verticon conference in Atlanta, Georgia, Bell Textron Inc. announced that the Pasadena Police Department (PPD) has placed a purchase order for two Bell 505 helicopters. According to the company’s press release, this acquisition marks the first time the Southern California law enforcement agency has selected the Bell 505 model to support its airborne operations.

The procurement is part of a broader initiative to modernize the department’s aging aerial fleet. In February 2026, the Pasadena City Council authorized a $12.6 million budget for the purchase of two new helicopters. To adapt these commercial airframes for specialized law enforcement duties, the department selected CNC Technologies as the prime contractor to design and integrate advanced tactical mission suites.

We recognize this upgrade as a significant development not only for the city of Pasadena but for the broader San Gabriel Valley. The new aircraft will enhance regional support capabilities, providing critical aerial overwatch for multiple neighboring municipalities that rely on Pasadena’s aviation infrastructure.

Fleet Modernization and Technical Specifications

The Pasadena Police Department currently operates a mixed fleet of legacy aircraft, including Bell 206B JetRangers, Bell OH-58s, and an MD 500E. The introduction of the Bell 505 is intended to streamline maintenance and introduce modern aviation safety features to the Air Operations Section.

The Bell 505 Platform

Introduced in 2014 and certified by the FAA in 2017, the Bell 505 is a short light single-engine helicopter designed for high visibility and operational versatility. According to Bell’s specifications, the aircraft features a maximum cruise speed of 125 knots (144 mph) and a useful load capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The helicopter is powered by a Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft engine, which delivers 505 shaft horsepower and features a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. Furthermore, the cockpit is equipped with a fully integrated Garmin G1000H glass flight deck, which Bell notes is designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness. The manufacturer states there are currently over 600 Bell 505s operating in 66 countries, having collectively surpassed 300,000 fleet flight hours.

“As a long-time Bell customer, we are thrilled the Pasadena Police Department has chosen the Bell 505 as the product of choice to demonstrate their mission capabilities. The Bell 505 provides our customers and operators versatility in mission performance and enhanced technical capabilities.”

, Lane Evans, Managing Director, North America Commercial Sales, Bell

Tactical Mission Suite Integration

To ensure the aircraft are ready for patrol, CNC Technologies is outfitting the helicopters with a comprehensive tactical suite. A key component of this integration is the Wescam MX-10, an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging system. The department acquired its first Wescam MX-10 in 2020 and has been actively working to standardize this camera across its fleet.

Additional technology integrated by CNC Technologies includes tactical mapping capabilities, Night Vision Goggle (NVG)-compatible cockpit upgrades, high-intensity searchlights, and resilient real-time video transmission systems.

“CNC Technologies is proud to serve as the prime contractor for the Pasadena Police Department’s Bell 505 program. Our team is delivering a mission-ready capability with long-term support.”

, Alex Giuffrida, Managing Partner, CNC Technologies

Regional Impact and Operational History

The Pasadena Police Department’s Helicopter Section, established in 1969, is one of the oldest airborne law enforcement programs in the United States. The unit operates seven days a week, responding to an estimated 7,500 to 9,000 calls annually and logging approximately 3,500 flight hours per year. Department metrics indicate that the average response time for a PPD helicopter is just 72 seconds, with aircrews arriving as the first officers on the scene roughly 35% of the time.

The FAST Program and Mutual Aid

The impact of Pasadena’s Air Operations Section extends far beyond the city limits. In 1999, the department spearheaded the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST), a joint helicopter patrol operation. Through FAST, Pasadena provides regional air support to 10 neighboring partner cities, including Alhambra, Arcadia, Covina, Glendora, Monrovia, and Pomona, that do not maintain their own dedicated aviation units. Additionally, the unit supports the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT) with high-altitude surveillance personnel.

“This investment in our new Bell 505s represent a major step forward in how the Pasadena Police Department serves and protects our community. These aircraft give our Air Operations Section the enhanced capabilities needed to support officers on the ground, improve response times, and provide critical aerial support… This program strengthens our department’s ability to keep Pasadena safe today and well into the future.”

, Gene Harris, Pasadena Police Chief

AirPro News analysis

The $12.6 million investment authorized by the Pasadena City Council underscores the high capital costs associated with maintaining a premier airborne law enforcement unit. However, we note that standardizing the fleet with modern Bell 505s and Wescam MX-10 cameras is a strategic move that will likely reduce the department’s reliance on older, maintenance-heavy airframes like their legacy OH-58s.

Furthermore, the technological leap to the Bell 505 brings critical modern aviation safety features to the department. The dual-channel FADEC engine system is particularly vital for urban law enforcement operations, as it automatically provides a backup if one engine control channel fails, significantly enhancing safety during low-altitude patrols over densely populated areas of the San Gabriel Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the top speed of the Bell 505 helicopter?
According to Bell Textron, the Bell 505 has a maximum cruise speed of 125 knots, which is approximately 144 mph or 232 km/h.

How much is the Pasadena Police Department spending on the new helicopters?
In February 2026, the Pasadena City Council authorized a budget of $12.6 million for the purchase and outfitting of the two new helicopters.

What is the FAST program?
The Foothill Air Support Team (FAST) is a joint helicopter patrol operation spearheaded by the Pasadena Police Department in 1999. It provides regional air support to 10 neighboring cities in the San Gabriel Valley that cannot afford their own dedicated aviation units.

Sources

This article is based on an official press release from Bell Textron Inc.