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In a ceremony at Pilatus Business Aircraft’s facility in Broomfield, Colo. on May 10, the Texas Department of Public Safety took possession of the newest addition to their fleet.
The new Pilatus PC-12 NG Spectre aircraft built for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) incorporates a variety of mission-specific equipment in the versatile airborne platform. The aircraft accommodates up to two pilots and seven passengers and integrates state-of-the-art communications, mapping, and surveillance systems controlled by the pilots and operational personnel on board the aircraft. Data gathered in flight may be transmitted in real time to authorities on the ground.
Thomas Bosshard, President and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd stated, “We are proud to support the Texas Department of Public Safety by providing them with this PC-12 NG Spectre aircraft. The PC-12 has earned a solid reputation amongst federal, state, and local agencies as an extremely versatile and efficient tool to help protect their citizens.”
On May 23rd, the new PC-12 NG was commissioned at a formal ceremony in Austin, TX. In that ceremony, the new aircraft was named in honor of the late Texas Ranger Bobby Paul Doherty, who was killed in the line of duty in 1978.
“This plane, named in honor of Texas Ranger Bobby Doherty, will provide a vital capability in supporting and advancing the same mission he lived by – to serve and protect Texas – and it will further ensure that his legacy continues to live on for years to come,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw.
The “Bobby Doherty” will be stationed in San Antonio, with the primary duties of supporting local agencies along the Texas-Mexico border. The multi-purpose PC-12 NG will also be used for a variety of public safety missions across Texas, including transporting medical equipment, supplies and response teams during a disaster; aerial observation support; and serving as an aerial command center.
The addition of the PC-12 NG brings the fleet of aircraft that the Texas Department of Public Safety operates up to 9 fixed wing aircraft and 15 helicopters.
