VAI Verticon – Atlanta, GA (March 11, 2026) Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced during VAI Verticon 2026 the purchase order for two Bell 505s by California’s Pasadena Police Department, demonstrating their commitment to public safety operations.
“As a long-time Bell customer, we are thrilled the Pasadena Police Department has chosen the Bell 505 as the product of choice to demonstrate their mission capabilities,” said Lane Evans, managing director, North America Commercial Sales, Bell. “The Bell 505 provides our customers and operators versatility in mission performance and enhanced technical capabilities. This is another example of the strong demand we are seeing across the globe for this aircraft.”
The Pasadena Police Department Air Operations Section provides air support to Pasadena, California and numerous other cities throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The newly purchased Bell 505s will join the department’s Bell 206Bs already in operation.
“This investment in our new Bell 505s represent a major step forward in how the Pasadena Police Department serves and protects our community,” said Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris. “These aircraft give our Air Operations Section the enhanced capabilities needed to support officers on the ground, improve response times, and provide critical aerial support.”
CNC Technologies is serving as the prime contractor for the program, leading the overall mission suite design and support. The mission suite includes Wescam MX-10 electro-optical/infrared imaging systems, tactical mapping capability, NVG-compatible cockpit upgrades, high-intensity searchlight capability, and resilient real-time video transmission, delivering a mission-ready capability aligned with the department’s operational needs.
“CNC Technologies is proud to serve as the prime contractor for the Pasadena Police Department’s Bell 505 program,” said Alex Giuffrida, managing partner, CNC Technologies. “Our team is delivering a mission-ready capability with long-term support.”
“This program strengthens our department’s ability to keep Pasadena safe today and well into the future,” Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris added.
The Bell 505 was introduced in 2014 and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2017. There are now more than 600 Bell 505s operating in more than 66 countries on six continents, surpassing 300,000 total fleet flight hours. With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and a useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is designed to be easy to fly while providing significant value to the operator and best-in-class cabin visibility. The customer-driven design of the aircraft places safety, performance and affordability at the forefront, blending proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design. Visit the Bell product page to learn more.
Follow along for more news from Bell at VAI Verticon 2026.
ABOUT BELL
Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
ABOUT TEXTRON INC.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
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