Mesa police have a powerful new $3.2 million tool: an MD 530F helicopter that police said will help them chase down fleeing suspects, look for missing children and maintain a more consistent presence in the skies above the sprawling East Valley city.

Powered by a Rolls Royce engine and described by a company executive as a "hot rod,'' the new helicopter adds a third airship to the Mesa police fleet, replacing an aging helicopter that was taken out of service when it was damaged during a crash landing in a Gilbert alfalfa field a year ago.

The old helicopter, an MD 500E purchased in 1994, suddenly experienced engine failure, leaving officers less than 15 seconds to negotiate an emergency landing on June 8, 2014. The damaged helicopter had logged nearly 20,000 flight hours.

Assistant Chief Mike Dvorak said police appreciate voters authorizing the purchase during a bond election. He said police have been "counting the days'' until the new helicopter arrived.

Police said the third helicopter will offer more power in Arizona's intense summer heat. It ensures that police will have one helicopter airborne for seven hours a day, with a second available for duty if the first one experiences mechanical issues, said John Cauthen, Mesa's aviation administrator.

"This will help us out immediately. We will always have one slated for air support,'' he said.

A rotation of three helicopters also puts less strain and less miles on each airship, he said.

Mesa police typically have a helicopter airborne for seven hours a day, seven days a week. Usually, a helicopter flies for 2 1/2 hours during the day shift and about five hours during the evening shift, from 6 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

Dvorak said Mesa police have a very restrictive policy toward dangerous ground pursuits, which can endanger the lives of officers and civilians who might inadvertently get in the path of travel. It is far better to follow a suspect with helicopter, Dvorak said, which also has a stealth advantage.

Mesa Police Chief John Meza said police helicopters are not always popular but are a worthwhile investment in crime fighting.

"Lots of times air units are controversial because they are expensive," Meza said. "They are expensive because they are worth it."

Craig Kitchen, chief commercial officer for MD Helicopters, based in Mesa, said the new helicopter is faster than the other two in Mesa's fleet, powered by a Rolls Royce turbine engine that can generate 140 knots.

"This is the hot rod,'' Kitchen said.

He said the helicopter is popular with police because it is fast, maneuverable and has a small footprint, making it easier to land in tight spaces. He said about 200 of the helicopters are in use by police agencies nationally and more than 50 are in use for military purposes.

"This is a helicopter built in Mesa, by Mesa employees, delivered to the Mesa Police Department," Kitchen said. "It doesn't get any better than that."

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