- Overhead exercise with a modern police helicopter along the Rhine
Today at 9:30 AM, an exercise on the Rhine in Mainz sees the inauguration of two fresh and robust helicopters for the Rhineland-Palatinate law enforcement. These new additions surpass the current fleet's machines in size and power. Besides the "Christoph 66" rescue helicopter based in the West Palatinate, which isn't part of the police fleet, this will lead to three helicopters equipped with hoists stationed in Rhineland-Palatinate in the upcoming days. This expansion is a part of the state government's reorganization of disaster management, initiated due to the Ahr Valley flood.
These new law enforcement helicopters will enhance support in fire and disaster management. With an impressive capacity of over 800 liters, they can carry nearly double the water volume in external tanks compared to their predecessors. During today's Rhine exercise, these extra water reserves will be put to use, and both Minister President Alexander Schweitzer and Interior Minister Michael Ebling (both SPD) have confirmed their attendance. The newly manufactured helicopters at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Bavaria will join the squadron situated near Koblenz in Winningen.
The following is an additional benefit of the new helicopters: They can carry significantly more water for firefighting purposes.In relation to the Rhine exercise, the statement "The following is added:" could be used to introduce the enhanced support the new helicopters will provide due to their increased water capacity.
