Greater Manchester Police unveil new force helicopter

Date published: 16/09/2008

The Chairman of the Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA), Councillor Paul Murphy, has today (Tuesday 16 September) unveiled the new GMP Force helicopter.

The state-of-the-art MD 902 Explorer helicopter landed at its base in Barton and replaces the previous helicopter, also an MD 902 explorer, which had been with Greater Manchester Police for seven years.

Shipped in from Arizona, USA, the helicopter has been equipped with the latest in aviation technology by Police Aviation Services in Cheltenham.

The aircraft is fitted with the latest high definition daylight and thermal imaging camera systems. This will provide high quality images of offenders in action and play a significant part in successful prosecutions.

Sergeant Phil Rainford, Unit Executive Officer at GMP’s Air Support Unit said: “We will continue to make a valuable and significant contribution to detecting offenders, reducing and preventing crime, reassuring the public and reducing the amount of hours spent searching large areas.

“This new addition will provide us and the communities we serve, with one of the most advanced police helicopters in the world and maintain Greater Manchester police’s reputation as leaders in police aviation.”

Navigation in the new helicopter is aided by state-of-the-art moving map technology, which can be aligned to the camera system and enables the helicopter to identify accurately the location of offenders, incidents or missing people.

The helicopter is equipped with a Public Address system that enables direct communication with members of the public and a searchlight that can be used independently by the crew, or linked to follow the camera systems. At the touch of a button the beam of the searchlight can be adjusted from narrow to wide-angle and a range of filters can be selected to reduce glare, enhance natural colour or introduce infra red light. This tool helps the crew of the helicopter to spot vulnerable missing people or offenders, even when darkness or dense vegetation may stop officers on the ground from finding them.

At the unveiling ceremony, Police Aviation Services handed over the keys of the helicopter to Greater Manchester Police Authority.

The previous helicopter played an invaluable role in policing Greater Manchester and last year alone carried out nearly 5,500 assignments and was integral in the arrest of over 700 offenders.

The £4.3 million purchase price of the new aircraft has been greatly offset by the sale of the old helicopter for £1.45 million and a capital grant of another £1.28 million from the Home Office. This, coupled with the increasing unscheduled maintenance costs on the previous ageing aircraft, which had completed more than 8000 hours flying time, means that it makes good financial sense to replace it. Significant savings will be made through reduced maintenance costs and the warranty on the new aircraft.

GMPA chairman Councillor Paul Murphy said: "We are delighted to take delivery of the Explorer. Ensuring GMP officers are fully equipped to carry out their duties effectively is a high priority for the Authority. I believe our investment in this project is testament to that.

"As with any project with financial implications, the Authority has taken great steps to ensure the Force is kitted out with the best equipment in the most cost effective way.

"The helicopter is a crucial piece of equipment and as a Greater Manchester resident, I personally feel reassured that officers have the latest technology at their disposal in the campaign to fight crime and protect people."