Austria’s Airborne Technologies has been awarded a contract from the UK National Police Air Service (NPAS) for the supply of up to six Vulcanair P68Rs, configured for airborne surveillance missions.
The deal for four role-equipped aircraft, plus options for two more, follows a successful six-month trial by NPAS with the Italian-built piston-twin. The aircraft has been providing countrywide air support alongside the service’s extensive helicopter fleet.
However, the P68s will replace the same number of rotorcraft aircraft when they enter service in 2016 and 2017.
“Dealing with the requirements of one of the most advanced police forces was a great challenge,” says Airborne Technologies chief executive Wolfgang Grumeth.
“We put a lot of time and effort into understanding the individual needs, as well as the overall philosophy of the tender. Together with our long standing partners, we were able to prepare a superb overall package.”
NPAS was launched in 2012 with the aim of replacing localised police air support units with a centrally-funded, borderless operation and with reducing the service’s annual running costs.
More than 100 P68s are currently in service with police forces worldwide, says Vulcanair.
Source: Flight International
