For twelve years, a vital partnership has soared above Northern Virginia.
Fairfax County Police Department’s Helicopter Division holds a special place in Trakka Systems’ history, having been their very first U.S. customer. Their initial investment in a TrakkaBeam A800 searchlight system back in 2012 proved to be a successful collaboration, and recently, the department upgraded to the latest TrakkaBeam Xenon TLX high-intensity models for their two Bell 429 helicopters, “Fairfax 1” and “Fairfax 2.”
The Fairfax County Police Helicopter Division serves a vital role for the 1.2 million residents of the region. Covering a vast 400 square miles, their helicopters provide critical air support for a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, medical evacuations (medevacs), and assisting ground units in apprehending suspects.
A Legacy of Illumination
For more than twelve years theTrakkaBeam searchlight system has been an instrumental part of their success. The A800 model, Trakka’s world leading Mil-Qualified high-intensity searchlight with its aerodynamic design, served the division faithfully.
Now, the upgraded TLX models offer even more advanced features:
- Superior Beam Profile: The custom-built optics deliver an efficient and even beam, eliminating the “black hole” effect of competing systems and providing consistent target visibility.
- Multi-Mission Functionality: The TrakkaBeam boasts a unique in-flight, multi-filter system, allowing officers to instantly switch between various filters, from covert infrared (visible with NVG’s) to ultra-violet, amber, red or blue light depending on the situation.
- Durability and Reliability: The TrakkaBeam system undergoes rigorous testing to ensure peak performance and withstands harsh weather conditions. Its efficient design minimizes maintenance needs and boasts the industry’s highest proven Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).
A Team Effort: Beyond the Beam
The TrakkaBeam system is just one component of the Fairfax County Police Department’s Tactical Flight Officers’ (TFO) comprehensive airborne toolkit. These highly trained officers are the backbone of the helicopter unit, responsible for piloting the aircraft, operating onboard equipment, and coordinating with ground units during missions. Their skill and experience are critical to the success of each operation.
Eyes in the Sky: A Multifaceted Approach
Alongside the TrakkaBeam searchlight, the TFOs utilize gyro-stabilized EO/IR sensors, providing them with a powerful combination of visible and infrared imagery. This allows them to see through darkness, smoke, and other obscurants, further enhancing their ability to gather critical information during missions. While the use of advanced mission mapping systems provide real-time geographic information, allowing them to navigate complex environments, track moving targets, and share vital data with ground units seamlessly.
The combined capabilities of these technologies offer a multifaceted approach to airborne operations, empowering the TFOs to make informed decisions and respond to situations with exceptional efficiency.
A Soaring Partnership Continues
Fairfax County Police Department’s ongoing commitment to innovation, along with their recent upgrade to the latest TrakkaBeam technology, solidifies a remarkable partnership. This collaboration ensures the skilled TFOs and the entire helicopter division remain at the forefront of airborne law enforcement. With this advanced technology at their disposal, they can continue to provide a watchful eye and critical support for the safety and well-being of the 1.2 million residents of Fairfax County.
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