Law enforcement agencies increasingly find themselves placed in dangerous situations nearly unimaginable only decades ago. Police force members see a need to rise above crime scenes via helicopter to properly stabilize the area. These precarious circumstances further heighten the chances that members of the law enforcement community will be injured or lose their own lives.

Unfortunately, most police departments and SWAT teams still employ familiar methods. Tactical team members are required to balance on the skid of the helicopter, with only grips or rails to hold onto. Not only does this leave them exposed to the elements, but fully exposed to snipers on the ground. Ongoing stress is now mixed with an omnipresent sense of danger.

Tyler Special Operations Platform – The Perfect Helicopter Mount

To remedy this and make the job of law enforcement officers a more secure one, Tyler Technologies has designed a helicopter bench, the “Tyler Special Operations Platform” known by the initials TSOP. This framework is manufactured by Tyler Technologies for use during helicopter flights and specifically for those flights made by law enforcement agencies.

In addition, each Tyler Special Operations Platform has been developed to go beyond current Federal Aviation Administration requirements. This is to be expected, as Tyler Technologies is Federal Aviation Administration Parts Manufacturing Authority certified. The company been recognized for its innovative helicopter mounts by the international film industry for well over forty years.

The Tyler Special Operations Platform allows law enforcement officers and helicopter pilots to perform intricate operations more efficiently. With our helicopter mount, there is no need for constant modifications to fit a variety of helicopters, planes or aircraft. Each Tyler Special Operations Platform is easily and smoothly installed to stay ahead of possible situations. In fact, after its initial installation, each TSOP is set up without the use of any tools.

When employing the TSOP on a mission, officers have Rope Rappel and Fast Rope capabilities which are nearly impossible with standard hand-held grips. Helicopters fitted with Tyler Special Operations Platforms have a myriad of other tactical advantages. These include such benefits as a fold-able foot-rest, anchor points that align safety belts, and the ability to lock down vertically to preserve space when not in current use.

Each of our helicopter mounts is also highly aerodynamic due to its lightweight design and mounts quickly to cross-tubes with connect clamps. However, it is the reliability and strength of the Tyler Special Operations Platform that gives law enforcement a strategic advantage in high stress scenarios. These include instances when law enforcement helicopters are necessary for emergencies, high-rise building evacuations and overhead SWAT deployment.
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Police forces and law enforcement agencies know that they're in good hands with helicopter benches manufactured by Tyler Technologies. As with all of their Tyler Technologies designs, each product has been developed to go far and beyond what is presently on the market. Hence, why the Tyler Special Operations Platform is user friendly, durable and can literally save lives.

Meet Mike and Jack. Mike's a family man, rock music aficionado and a search and rescue operator. Jack rebuilds muscle cars in his garage and serves in a tactical police squad. 

For Jack and Mike working at 1,000 feet or higher is part of the job description. They can be called to the air at any time. They rely on teamwork and the right gear to excel at their jobs. Their "office equipment" must have high standards of safety, efficiency and versatility in day to day operations. 

The Tyler Special Operations Platform (TSOP) was created to support workers like Mike and Jack. In the field or on the ground, air crews will benefit from increased safety, operational efficiency and unsurpassed versatility of an integrated helicopter platform. The addition of the TSOP system is a strategic advantage.

The TSOP was engineered to have a base frame which conforms to rigorous standards of design and operation. The TSOP helicopter platform is designed to easily accommodate optional enhancements now and in the future. Accessories such as a helicopter mount further expand the capabilities of this helicopter platform without adding excessive bulk, cost or maintenance.

The foundation of the TSOP system is the aerodynamic helicopter bench frame made of 3-inch tubing with 1-inch tubes arrayed longitudinally. All tubing is fashioned from aircraft grade aluminum alloy for the optimum combination of strength and lightness. TSOP system models are available for specific aircraft models. Kits weigh from 66 pounds to 130 pounds. Helicopter bench supports, mounting brackets and helicopter mount assemblies would have minimal weight impact.

The TSOP system heightens safety, comfort and stability in the field.
• A single helicopter bench can accommodate one or two riders. 
• Each rider will experience freedom of movement without risking balance or stability.
• Harnesses and seat belts can be added to the TSOP frame utilizing existing anchor points.
• The folding footrest can be deployed as needed. In use, the footrest gives the rider added leverage. 
• On landing, the helicopter platform remains stationary at a height that prevents leg injuries to any riders.

The TSOP helicopter platform is economical and efficient.
• The initial installation can be done in a few minutes by the client's own personnel. The target aircraft will require no modification.
• When not in use, the TSOP can be locked into a vertical position.
• Unlocking the TSOP from storage takes minutes.
• Adding or removing helicopter benches and helicopter mounts is an uncomplicated operation with quick connecting clamps.

The TSOP system's design means built-in versatility.
• A single helicopter bench can be installed on one side.
• Two helicopter benches can be installed on either side of the vehicle.
• One or two workers can sit or stand on one platform while cargo sits on the second platform.
• One side can carry cargo. Cameras and test equipment can be mounted on the other side.
• Optional mounting brackets can rapidly transform a helicopter bench in a secure litter carrier.
• The available Fast-Rope unit adds rappelling capabilities.

The TSOP's design philosophy is based on simplicity, ergonomics, utility and durability. The TSOP can be relied upon to be mission ready and operation fit.

Our helicopter platforms have been utilized in law enforcement, powerline inspection, movies, television productions, as well as electronic news gathering for the past few decades. Tyler Technologies has played a significant role in the US Military, within the Strategic Air Command, providing surveillance in addition to search and rescue assistance, ultimately saving American lives and lives all over the world. With 200,000 hours and over 50,000 missions under their belts, rest assured no one does it better.

We continue the tradition of serving and saving with our Tyler Special Operations Platform (TSOP). The uniquely engineered helicopter framework, helicopter bench, and associated safety harnesses and repelling equipment are state of the art and mounted without alteration to the helicopter. This helicopter platform is designed to increase mission safety and effectiveness within law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency response/evacuation agencies.

The TSOP Helicopter Bench is the industry benchmark in safe transporting and deployment of personnel including insertion, extraction, dive team, and emergency response as its primary purposes. TSOP is externally mounted with dual platforms equipped with anchor mounts for seat-belts and safety harnesses. The TSOP helicopter bench platform also has a fast rope option with rappel capability.

This helicopter platform and helicopter framework are certified for most helicopters including the Bell 206/206L,series, and Eurocopter AS350/355 series helicopters. The helicopter framework mounts quickly and easily by team members and can be stowed in a vertical position during flight or ground ops.

We thought of everything in the manufacturing, mounting, and safety of their TSOP helicopter platform. From the use of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum making the helicopter bench weigh only 66 pounds or the mount brackets and bench supports which are computer controlled, machined anodized aluminum 7075-T651; Tyler Technologies has created a system which revolutionizes how we deploy, insert, or extract those sworn to protect us or rescue us.
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If you are the numbers person in your department trying to decide whether or not this Tyler Special Operations Platform is worth the expenditure, you are in a difficult position. How does one quantify the value of the life of a team member or many lives in your community? Remember, Tyler Camera Systems and Tyler Technologies have been in the business of serving community and country and saving lives for over 40 years. The question is, "Don’t your team members and the people in your community deserve the best?"

When workers are planning the inspections for power line maintenance, they must evaluate several factors. The height of a tower and the road conditions are crucial factors because the workers will usually drive a bucket truck to a tower to complete the inspections or the repairs at the connection points on the tower. If the roads are covered with snow, then the workers may be blocked from completing the repairs until the weather conditions are more suitable for traveling. Maintenance crews can use the TSOP power bench to control those problems.

The Height Factor for Repairs
The height factor can be a very difficult problem to overcome with traditional equipment. With a helicopter platform, the workers can quickly inspect the connection points on several towers and will not be inconvenienced by the snow that has covered the roads or the towers. Several customers may be forced to survive for more than one week without any electrical power if the roads are blocked by snow. A helicopter bench is a safe platform for a worker who must quickly complete a repair on a tower.

Safe Procedures
Safety is a crucial factor for the quality of the working conditions. If a worker was using a bucket truck for completing the inspections, there could be hazards that would endanger the worker who could not quickly move away from the tower. With the helicopter bench, a worker can wear a seat belt and can lash a toolbox to the bench. If there is some kind of sudden danger, the pilot can quickly move the helicopter away from the tower.
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Emergency Situations
A short response time is very important for company managers who have a responsibility for protecting the customers and who must plan the repair procedures. With a helicopter platform, a worker can safely sit on the bench while he or she is thoroughly inspecting the connection points. The information from the inspections can be used to inform the customers about the repair procedures such as when the electrical power will probably be restored in the area.

The TSOP power line inspection bench is designed with safety features that are used to securely mount the platform on a helicopter and also used to ensure that the workers and equipment will be safe and secure on the benches. There are anchor points and tie-in-rings for seat belts and safety harnesses. The benches have comfort features for ensuring that the workers will not experience excessive physical stress while they are inspecting power lines or completing a quick repair procedure.

​Secure Framework for Power Benches
The framework can be securely mounted on a helicopter. The power line bench will not slide during an inspection procedure. A worker can safely sit on the bench and use equipment to quickly verify the condition of power lines. The information from the inspections can be used to make decisions about an airborne repair procedure or extensive repairs that will require more workers and trucks.

Maintenance Benches
The workers and equipment will be protected because there are anchor points and tie-in-rings on the platform. Seat belts can be securely attached to the anchor points. Safety harnesses can be securely attached to the tie-in-rings and used to prevent the equipment from sliding off the bench. A worker can safely sit on a bench while he or she is completing an inspection or a repair procedure. The toolbox can be conveniently positioned next to the worker on the bench.
 
 
Comfort for Workers
An ergonomic design is very important for workers and management personnel because the work environment should be designed to prevent injuries. The comfort features for the benches are used to control excessive physical stress that could cause an injury or cause a worker to become prematurely tired during an inspection procedure. The workers can safely complete procedures for longer periods of time because the design of the bench will not increase the fatigue factor.

Efficient Inspection Procedures
The inspection process for power lines is usually difficult because the power lines are attached to the top of a tower or a pole. With a helicopter bench, the workers can quickly inspect the power lines on several towers. The procedures are simple because workers can safely sit on a power line bench and conveniently use tools from a toolbox that is lashed to the bench. The counterbalance arm and weight boxes are used to stabilize the airborne procedures.

Fast Airborne Repair Procedures
Many simple repairs for power lines are very complicated because workers must drive a truck to a tower that is not near a paved road. The workers are forced to drive on very rough terrain in rural areas. The repair procedures are much faster on a helicopter bench. A worker can safely sit on a power line inspection bench and then complete a repair procedure after a problem has been detected and evaluated during an inspection.

The Tyler Special Operations Platform (TSOP) is made of high-quality materials and has an aerodynamic design. The platform is lightweight, which controls the affect that the platform could have on maneuvers. There are anchor points for attaching a safety harness or a seat belt. The platforms have been used for more than 200,000 flight hours on more than 50,000 missions such as for police units and for search and rescue teams.

Versatile Design
The platform design has special features for comfort and for convenience such as an ergonomic folding footrest. There are special quick-connect clamps for mounting the platform to the cross tubes. The platform can be safely moved into a vertical position on a helicopter if the platform is not necessary for a flight. The technicians do not need to make special modifications to the helicopter framework while they are installing the platform. The design has features for handling the need for quick action during a mission.

Statistics for Durability
The materials have the highest ratings for quality and for reliability. After the initial phase for testing a helicopter mount, there is usually a short time period when some minor problems become evident. There are several statistics for verifying the durability of the TSOP. The platforms have been used on more than 50,000 missions for more than 200,000 flight hours. The statistical evidence supports the durability of the materials and the reliability of the platform design for a helicopter framework.

Tactical Applications
The platform has been used by teams for police missions, for surveillance operations and for search and rescue efforts during emergencies. There are several tactical applications such as for transporting boxes of emergency supplies, using rappelling equipment for emergency rescues on rooftops and for providing a police officer with an unobstructed view for aiming a weapon. A member of an emergency rescue team can safely sit on the platform while also using a rope to lower boxes of food and medical supplies to the stranded victims in a flooded area.

Lightweight Design
The lightweight, aerodynamic design is crucial for flight missions because the weight of the helicopter must be lifted by the forces from the rotor blades. The platform does not add a hazardous amount of weight to the helicopter, which increases the degree of practicality for the platform. The helicopter mount be used to lift several boxes of supplies or more than one member of an emergency team without exceeding the maximum load limit.
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Safety Features
The anchor points for safety harnesses or for seat belts also increase the practicality of the platform because a tactical team is not forced to install anchor clips or rings on the helicopter framework. The safety features are designed to increase the usefulness of the helicopter mount by simplifying the tasks for emergency personnel. Tactical teams can use less time for preparing the platform and more time for completing important missions. Versatility and convenience are top reasons for using the Tyler Special Operations Platform.

In this dangerous world, the Tyler Special Operations Platform (TSOP) is the ideal piece of equipment to prepare a helicopter framework for a flight that's an emergency mission. Manufactured by Tyler Technologies of Van Nuys, California, TSOP is a helicopter platform that finds uses with governments, law enforcement entities and militaries worldwide. It's a special operations platform that’s used in SWAT operations, rooftop rescues, search and rescue missions. TSOP is a bench that also gives marksmen a better position for accuracy because they choose to squat or sit rather than stand.

After the initial setup, the equipment attaches easily to the helicopter framework without using tools. It permits ropes to be attached quickly for rappelling-like activities. Formerly, many agencies that use helicopters for emergency missions had their personnel stand on the skids and hold onto grab bars. This practice was not only relatively unsafe, but it limited what personnel could see. It also exposed their backs as targets. The use of grab bars on emergency helicopters is rapidly disappearing. TSOP brings increased safety and comfort to the special operations platform.

Tyler Technologies, a division of Tyler Camera Systems, is the designer and manufacturer of the bench. Tyler Camera Systems has been making camera mounts for helicopters for 40 years. Tyler Technologies designed the helicopter platform with the help of the Los Angeles Police Department. Made of aluminum tubing, it mounts to the skids with quick-connect clamps. Once the clamps are installed, TSOP can be installed within five minutes. When not in use, this special operations platform can be stored vertically.
TSOP is a helicopter platform equipped with folding footrests, which adds to comfort and practicality. Optional equipment for this special operations platform includes a rescue litter or carrier for external cargo outside the cabin.

The company’s Power Bench is a helicopter platform specially designed for use by electrical personnel so they can inspect and maintain overhead power lines. The anchor points and tie-in rings that the system is equipped with can accommodate, respectively, seat belts and safety harnesses for the maximum safety personnel.

Like the company’s other benches, the Power Bench brings safety to the forefront. It also allows personnel to work easily from the position of a comfortable seat. Though the bench allows most work to be completed swiftly, safety trumps speed every time.
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Tyler Technologies has a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA for the manufacture of TSOP that attaches to a helicopter framework. It’s compatible with the AS-350, AS-355, MD-500 and BH-407 helicopters, and it's becoming a standard, well-regarded element for the helicopter platform used in emergency situations. 

If you have ever had to repair power lines, then you know how difficult and challenging the process can be, especially when they are in remote locations. If you are looking for a fast and effective way to make repairs and to perform maintenance work in any environment, then you need to take a look at the Tyler Special Operations Platform Power Bench.
The TSOP Power Bench connects to the skids of a helicopter and provides a platform from which to work. This allows easy access to power lines so that repair personnel can perform the required maintenance tasks, but it can also be used to access and fix other things that would otherwise be inaccessible.

​Speed of Implementation
If a power line is damaged at a critical time, then the results can be devastating. When getting power lines restored to working condition is a priority, the TSOP Power Bench is the answer for which you have been looking. Any helicopter can reach remote locations much faster than any land vehicle.
If a natural disaster strikes, trucks might not even have access to the damaged power line. But your helicopter will not have any problems getting past roadblocks so that your team can get to work restoring electricity when seconds count.

Safety Features
When you send a member of your team out on the skid of a helicopter, it's important to have safety at the front of your mind. You must take every possible step to prevent your team from experiencing an injury during their mission. Luckily, the helicopter power bench comes with anchor points for seat belts and safety harnesses. You can simply install the safety features of your choice so that you know your team is in good hands when they are inspecting and repairing power lines.

Comfort
Everyone performs their best work when they are in a comfortable environment. So, along with safety, the helicopter platform was also built with comfort in mind so that your team can better focus on the task at hand. Your team can face even the most challenging missions without experiencing pain while sitting on the power bench.

Final Thoughts
Although some locations might be hard to reach by land, the power bench enables your team to overcome any challenges and to access, inspect and repair remote power lines with ease. The speed with which you can manage power outages will decrease the odds of an injury or loss of life occurring during any emergency situation. Once the helicopter power bench is in place, you have a floating platform so that you can deploy your team to any location at any time.
If your team is feeling hesitant to board the power bench, simply point out the safety features. You can even allow the repair team to install their harnesses if they are trained to do so. No matter the job, your team can now complete any remote maintenance task without stress, allowing them to focus on their mission so that they don't make any critical mistakes along the way.

Law enforcement officers and special operation teams have challenging and dangerous jobs, and it’s vital all necessary steps are taken to minimize those dangers so that each officer can return home safely after each mission. Although the common enemy in helicopter deployments is enemy gunfire, another threat exists that often remains unseen. When airborne, officers are often presented with the difficult task of balancing on the helicopter skids; this is dangerous on its own, but when wind speed and possible turbulence become a factor, it's easy for anyone to lose their balance.

Although safety harnesses help, they are not enough to protect officers from injury. Also, these difficult and challenging situations make it increasingly challenging for any special operations team to maintain their accuracy and precision during mission-critical moments in which each second counts. Inability to maintain a high level of accuracy in such situations can have devastating results. Luckily, steps can be taken to prevent safety issues and enhance officer precision during aerial deployments.
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The Solution
The Tyler Special Operations Platform, also known as TSOP, is the much-needed solution to the ongoing danger present in aerial deployment missions. TSOP is a helicopter platform that connects to the cross skids to provide enhanced stability, safety, and accuracy. A special operations team is often deployed with short notice, which leaves officers little time to prepare, and this fact was taken into consideration when TSOP was designed and implemented. Therefore, TSOP can be installed in about five minutes because of its quick install clamps. This special operations platform was also created to be user-friendly, and anyone can learn to install it on the helicopter framework and secure it with little training.

Benefits
Safety is the most important benefit offered by the TSOP special operations platform. TSOP provides officers with a safe and secure platform on which to sit during intense operations. Enhanced safety puts the mind of each officer at ease, which enhances their ability to think critically and analyze data while directly involved in dangerous situations. Ease of access is another benefit offer by TSOP; when connected the helicopter framework, it enables officers to get on and off the aircraft quickly and efficiently. When officers are mounted on the special operations platform, they have greater stability and are offered a level of protection from turbulence.
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Final Thoughts
The safety of each officer must always be a concern and priority. Elements of danger are present in every mission, but aerial deployments have an added level of risk. Connecting TSOP to the helicopter framework greatly improves the safety of each officer on board. And by offering greater stability and accuracy, it also optimizes safety for officers on the ground. Therefore, it enhances the odds of any mission having a successful and desirable outcome. Having a safe and stable helicopter platform is currently one of the most efficient methods to protect officers and to ensure their safety during each mission.

Tyler Technologies is the premier provider of safe helicopter frameworks, each one is designed for a large variety of tactical situations, and prepared for the perilous conditions that tactical teams work in. Tyler prides themselves on their effective helicopter platforms, which are centered around the safety of tactical personnel.
 
TSOP MD-500 Power Bench
The TSOP Power Bench is a helicopter bench produced specifically for the MD-500 helicopter series. It is manufactured with safety as one of its main priorities, presenting a special operations platform designed to provide a reliable work area outside of the helicopter, allowing for live inspection and maintenance. The Power Bench is outfitted with some anchor points for the attachment of seat belts, and tie-in rings that are used to secure safety harnesses to the bench.

AS-350/355 Special Operations Platform
Tyler Technologies has worked in collaboration with quite a few different law enforcement agencies to design and build effective helicopter platforms compatible with the AS-350 and AS-355 helicopters. They are manufactured in the U.S. and provide both greater safety and efficiency in any number of hazardous tactical situations and rescue missions.

MD-500 Helicopter Bench
This Tyler special operations platform is designed specifically for the MD-500 series of helicopters. It is intended to mount to the aft cabin area of the helicopter, and the fuselage jack points using special brackets and clamps. This helicopter bench is quite easy to install, requiring no additional modifications to the airframe, nor the use of any tools. It features attachment points which are used to secure any personnel equipped with rappelling harnesses, adding a bit of extra security during tactical operations.

Tyler Technologies Fast Rope Hook
The innovative Tyler Technologies Fast Rope Hook was designed for increased safety and security during a variety of both tactical and rescue operations. A number of safety mechanisms were installed within the hook to prevent harm from coming to personnel during operations. The hook feature secures the rope into place once a load is applied. This mechanism exists to prevent accidental release while a team is conducting roping operations. The hook comes equipped with a fail-safe function in the case of an aircraft emergency, wherein the team is lowered safely to the ground before the fast ropes are jettisoned. It is designed for use with Tyler's safe helicopter frameworks and the other fast rope equipment they provide.
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Tyler BH-407 Helicopter Platform
The Tyler BH-407 safe helicopter frameworks are designed for the Bell 407 series of helicopters. Like most of Tyler's other effective helicopter platforms, they are manufactured for use in hazardous tactical situations and fast-rope operations. They provide added safety to the personnel placed on the bench, who can be secured with safety harnesses and self-retracting twist-release seat belts.