Media Contact: Wayne E. Shank
Executive Director
757-857-3351
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
New-generation patrol vehicle hits the road at Norfolk International Airport!
NORFOLK, Va. – July 11, 2011 – The Norfolk Airport Authority is excited to show off the latest tool being used by its law enforcement and public safety department – a new-generation patrol vehicle that is just 5 feet long, weighs in at 350 pounds and is totally green. The 100% electric-powered, Sentinel PMV (Police Mobility Vehicle) was delivered to the Norfolk International Airport Police Department in late May of this year, and is already in use. Norfolk International Airport is only the second airport in the United States using such a vehicle – Denver International Airport also has one.
Built by Xtreme Green Products, Inc., a Las Vegas based eco-vehicle company known for developing revolutionary, green electric powered vehicles; the Sentinel was designed with proprietary energy management systems and electric propulsion systems. It has all the power and ability of gas powered engines, but without the particulate pollution or noise pollution and no carbon footprint. It can travel up to 80 miles on one charge. The Lithium Ion Battery System can be charged up to 3000 times with no discernible deterioration in performance, and an Internal charger allows for charging using any 110/220 outlet in less than three hours.
The Sentinel’s three-wheel design and its small size will allow the airport’s officers to patrol on sidewalks safely as well as through open doorways. It can attain speeds of up to 29 miles per hour, and climb 4-6” curbs when in pursuit or rushing to an emergency. In addition to its multi-terrain design, the vehicle is also designed with sufficient storage units, allowing an officer to carry the emergency supplies that are hard to carry on a bicycle or on foot.
With a cost of less than 1 cent per mile, the Sentinel is a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional, fuel-powered, security vehicles. According to Norfolk International Airport Chief of Police, Jayward Hanna, “The Sentinel offers us an opportunity to augment our patrol strategies relative to the garages and curbsides, while reducing fuel costs.”
“All of our patrol officers, except for those on special assignment, will be trained and authorized to utilize the new vehicle,” says Hanna. “It will be used on each shift, but the amount of time it is used will be dependent on staffing, weather and other patrol requirements. The purchase and utilization of the Sentinel is part of the Airport Authority’s ongoing efforts to be an environmentally-conscious facility. It is our hope to expand on its use, as well as the number of PMV vehicles in our fleet.”
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Norfolk International Airport (NIA) is the major airport serving southeastern Virginia with 80 daily departures provided by American, American Eagle, Continental, Continental Express, Delta, Delta Connection, Southwest, United Express, US Airways and US Airways Express. NIA is ranked as the 65th largest airport in the United States with over 3.3 million passengers served in 2010.