Bell helicopters for Nigerian police

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FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Bell Helicopter reports that Nigeria is the first African country to use its 429 light, twin-engine utility helicopter.

The aircraft, which will be used for law enforcement, surveillance, force protection and humanitarian missions, were recently delivered to the Nigeria Police Air Wing and to the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency.

"Our Nigerian customers are thrilled to be the first Bell 429 operators in Africa," said Robert Prentice, vice president, Aircraft Sales, of Africair, Inc., Bell Helicopter's independent representative in Africa.

"The Bell 429 is the most technologically advanced and capable light-twin helicopter in the marketplace and will serve the NPAW and NEMA well for many years to come."

The 429 was developed by Bell and Korea Aerospace Industries. It has a cruise speed of 172 miles per hour, a range of more than 400 miles and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet. It can carry six passengers.

The two aircraft were officially delivered to the Nigerian agencies at Bell's customization facility in Tennessee.