Specialist Units - Air Support Unit
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In September 2008 the Greater Manchester Police replaced their MD902 Explorer registration G-GMPS with a new MD902 Explorer registration G-GMPX. This aircraft call sign 'X-Ray India 99' is designed and constructed using the latest technology. It has two Pratt and Whitney 207E jet engines which power the five carbon composite blades enabling the aircraft to operate at speeds up to 170mph and heights up to 18,000 ft altitude. It also boasts a NOTAR (no tail rotor) system which significantly reduces flight noise levels.
Watching over Greater Manchester and supporting officers on the ground, X-Ray India 99 uses the latest state of the art high-tech equipment. This includes the latest in TV, Low Light and Thermal imaging cameras, a digital microwave uplink/downlink that can broadcast and rebroadcast live pictures both to and from the ground, the latest Trakkabeam high powered search light, a 600 watt public address speaker system, tracking equipment for locating stolen vehicles, and a fully integrated moving map system. The aircraft is configured to carry four persons although up top eight can be carried; it can also be configured to carry a stretcher to assist ambulance and mountain rescue services.
The rotary section of the air support unit is staffed by police officers who are all highly skilled and trained as police air observers to rigorous national standards; together with highly skilled pilots and administration support staff. Police Aviation Services of Staverton who designed the role equipment fit of the aircraft provide the engineering support through a team of skilled aircraft engineers.
Utilising the previous aircraft G-GMPS, the rotary section of the air support unit, XI99 (X-Ray India Nine Nine) carried out the following:
- Total Flights – 13,846
- Total Flying Hours – 8,000
- Total Tasks – 23,893
- Photo Tasks – 2376
- Offenders Located – 4500
- Missing Persons Located – 182
- Vehicles Found – 1367
- Stolen Property Recovered – £16.73 million
- Casualty Evacuation - 17
The aircraft is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year and our services can be requested by any officer. We also provide support for other emergency services, Mountain Rescue and neighbouring police forces.
The Air Support Unit can be called upon to assist in a wide variety of tasks including:
- Vehicle Pursuits
- Foot Pursuits
- Offender Searches
- Vehicle Searches
- Missing From Home Searches
- Roof Searches
- Public Order Incidents
- Firearms Incidents
- Casualty Evacuations
- Still Photography
- Security Flights
- Proactive Operations
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The Britten Norman Group built the BN 4000 Defender in the Isle of Wight. It is powered by two Rolls Royce Allison gas turbine engines and has a top speed of 195 mph. It can operate at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet and it will carry much the same equipment as the helicopter.
The BN 4000 Defender's purpose is to work alongside GMP's helicopter, India 99, patrolling the skies to serve the people of Greater Manchester.
Supporting the various divisions and departments throughout Greater Manchester and also providing assistance to neighbouring forces should the need arise.
Training
In order to become a Police Air Observer, police officers first submit their written application, following this they are required to undertake a series of rigorous tests. These are designed to determine if the officer possesses the basic skills required in the role. If they are successful and pass these stages, they then take part in a formal interview; this then leads to officers being selected for the National Air Observers Course. These courses are held at the Air Support Unit over a two week period.
During the course potential observers are instructed in all aspects of police aviation, including navigation. At the end of the course each officer is required to complete a “Line Check”. If they are successful they are then attached to the unit for a twelve week period where they build on the basic skills. Further “Line Checks” are taken at 6 and 12 weeks. To be successful candidates will need to demonstrate their map reading skills together with the ability to multi-task.
Once the final line check is successfully completed the candidate becomes a Police Air Observer and is stationed at the Air Support Unit.
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