Story ID: 462
Enstrom, Botswana Ink 480B Order
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: Enstrom Helicopters received orders for three 480B helos from Botswana for Q2 delivery.
Word Count: 130
Menominee, Michigan-based Enstrom Helicopter (Booth 2904) has received an order from the Botswana Police-Air Support Branch (BPASB) for three Model 480B turbine helicopters, with deliveries slated for the second quarter. The helicopters will be customized to BPASB specifications, including installation of Trakka Systems day/night cameras and searchlights, cargo slinging, and light emergency medical systems.

BPASB's 480Bs will be capable of performing training, crime prevention, wildlife conservation, medical evacuation, command and control, and SAR missions, said Shai Shalem, managing director of Safomar Aviation, Enstrom’s South Africa dealer that tendered the transaction.

The multi-role light single Enstrom 480B is in service in more than 30 countries, with operators such as the U.S. Army, Indonesian National Police, and Japanese Ground Self-Defense, according to the Chinese-owned OEM.