Big Apple Cops To Get ‘Super-Copter’

New York City has been granted $9.8 million in federal funds to buy and equip a hybrid “super-copter” equipped for response to a variety of emergency situations but specifically terrorist attacks. Making the announcement, U.S. attorney general John Ashcroft said, “This grant is an important part of our nation’s fight against terrorism, and represents the federal, state and local cooperation necessary for us to win that battle.” A Bell 412 will be the base for the new specialty helo, which will be equipped under the direction of the Justice Department’s Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) and operated by the NYPD. Details of the aircraft’s mission package, some of which will be classified, are still being worked out but are expected to combine both rescue and SWAT-team-style assault capabilities.