The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has contracted with Metro Gulf to equip its new Cessna 208 Caravan for search-and-rescue and other public safety missions.
The MRO, a division of Lafayette, Louisiana-based Metro Aviation, will install an L3Harris MX-15 electro-optical and infrared camera, Technisonic TDFM 9000 radio, AEM audio system, multiple MacroBlue and ViewPoint touchscreen monitors, and a Shotover ARS-750 mapping system. In addition, Metro Gulf will furnish the aircraft with a fully articulated seat and custom mission console, easing the tactical flight officer’s access to the mission equipment.
A longtime completion customer of Metro Aviation, the Texas DPS aircraft operations division operates more than 25 aircraft, providing air patrol, criminal surveillance, and rescue. It has a staff of 50 police pilots, 25 tactical flight officers, and five support personnel. “We’ve completed numerous Texas DPS helicopters and are excited they’ve chosen Metro Gulf for this fixed-wing completion,” said Metro COO Kenny Morrow. “We look forward to working with more of our current partners and welcoming new customers to the family.”