The Dominican military is on a spree to purchase new equipment. The Air Force reports the arrival of the first two of a purchase of six Bell helicopters.
The aircraft are intended to guarantee national security, including border surveillance, rescue operations at high altitudes, difficult terrain, high seas, medical evaluations and natural disasters.
The helicopters are two Bell-UH -1H Huey II helicopters, license plates FAD3072 and FAD3073.
The recently acquired aircraft are equipped with an avionics system and pilots use binoculars with infrared light, which allows them to fly at night. They are also equipped with cranes to perform aerial extractions.
These aircraft have the capacity to stay in the air for an average of two and a half hours with a full tank, and reach a maximum altitude of 18,000 feet, limited by physiological factors to 12,000 feet.
Lieutenant Colonel Edward Roberto Martínez, commander of the rescue brigade to which the units are assigned, said that the FAD squadrons have been preparing themselves to be ready to pilot the helicopters.
The Air Force director of operations, Rubén Guillermo Mejía says the helicopters will be stationed at the San Isidro Air Base in eastern Santo Domingo, ready to move to the institution’s stations in the country, to carry out surveillance and protection of the border with Haiti, in case of any eventuality.
“If required, they could move to any of our stations, located on the border line. It could be Dajabón, Monte Cristi, Barahona, as required and as necessary. We also have a heliport located in Jimaní, where it could be sent,” said the commander.
At the beginning of October 2022, President Abinader announced the strengthening of the Army and the Air Force, with the acquisition of military vehicles and equipment for both military entities.
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Listin Diario
8 December 2022