The Dutch National Police are expected to sign a contract in early March to purchase eight twin-engine MD Explorer helicopters with an option for two more, says MD Helicopters. The first two are scheduled for delivery in November.

"This is an important victory for our growing company," said MD chairman and CEO Henk Schaeken.
Initially the MD Explorers will be based at Schiphol Oost Airport in Amsterdam. The helicopters, which fall under the authority of The Netherlands Minister of Justice, will provide law enforcement support for the entire nation.

They will be equipped with weather radar, hoists and forward-looking infrared, and will perform missions such as surveillance and patrol. They will be capable of performing water rescues and other operations in the North Sea as they replace the existing fleet of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

All of the helicopters will be equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada 207E engines.

The MD Explorer is the world's only light twin with FAA and JAA certification for single-pilot Category A IFR operations.