Air Support Unit

The York Regional Police Air Support Unit helicopter, AIR2, is a light single-engine Eurocopter EC120B. It is a multi-role tactical airborne platform with a maximum cruising speed of 200 kilometers per hour and a range of 635 kilometers. AIR2 utilizes a Fenestron tail rotor design, making it one of the quietest helicopters in operation today. The unit is staffed by four full-time and five alternate Tactical Flight Officers and two full-time and one alternate civilian pilot. The Tactical Flight Officers are extensively trained in patrol tactics, suspect tactics, airborne surveillance, and advanced thermal imaging. AIR2’s mission is to actively support frontline officers with criminal apprehensions, vehicle pursuits, searches for lost or missing persons, traffic enforcement and through the use of its thermal imaging camera, which can identify indoor marihuana grow operations. AIR2 and its specialized equipment have proven to be a valuable asset with York Regional Police and surrounding agencies by enhancing officer and public safety.