It cost a cool £3.2 million and looks like something Sylvester Stallone could be at the controls of in a futuristic Hollywood blockbuster.

The MD Explorer helicopter actually belongs to West Yorkshire Police and is packed with technology.

Its sleek lines and gadgetry were unveiled for the first time yesterday as it took to the skies alongside its 11-year-old predecessor.

One onlooker summed it up perfectly, saying: "It's a bit like putting a Reliant Robin up against a Rolls Royce."

Perhaps that was harsh on the outgoing German-built Messerschmitt - which has flown more than 11,000 hours, attended 30,000 tasks and was new when it was bought by the Force in 1989.

West Yorkshire Police Authority chairman, Councillor Neil Taggart said: "The previous helicopter was an excellent addition to the Force's equipment, but the Explorer has the advantage of the latest technology."

The American-built Explorer, pictured behind members of the West Yorkshire Police Air Support Unit, can perform a vertical take-off and landing - a big advantage in congested areas like West Yorkshire.

And, although it is 11 per cent more powerful than its predecessor, the lack of any tail rotor makes it 50 per cent quieter.

Accepting the keys to the new aircraft, West Yorkshire Chief Constable Graham Moore, said its acquisition was a step forward for the Force.

"The West Yorkshire Police helicopter is one of the busiest in the country," he said. "It's not a luxury any more, it is an essential part of policing. This new helicopter shows the Police Authority is committed to modern technology."

The Explorer, which begins its service later this month, will be used for a wide range of police duties including pursuit, air-ambulance, surveillance, searches for missing people, public disorder, disasters, traffic and photography.

The officer in charge of the Air Support Unit, Inspector John Whittaker, said: "We are absolutely delighted - everything about it is cutting edge. The on-board technology and extra power opens up a whole new capability."

The cost was built into the budget, and Home Office contributed £1.25 million.