15 August 2008

Greater Manchester Police take delivery of latest MD Explorer

UK’s Greater Manchester Police Authority ferried their new hi-tech MD Explorer on its delivery flight to Barton last Friday afternoon, following a period of trouble-free acceptance testing at Gloucestershire Airport. 

The helicopter, with its newly distinctive police livery and registered G-GMPX, was delivered on time by MD Helicopters distributor, Police Aviation Services Ltd, who have worked closely with the Manchester Police Observers to develop an entirely new suite of role equipment to make it arguably the most sophisticated police helicopter in its class.

As the first UK Police Explorer re-buy, the delivery heralds a new era for the Explorer within the UK Police market. It replaces GMPA’s previous MD Explorer G-GMPS, which has accumulated 8000 hours over the last 7 years and which has been purchased by PAS to operate as the new Hertfordshire Air Ambulance later this year.

The helicopter entered service immediately and there will be a formal launch ceremony in Manchester next month.

Police Aviation Services Ltd is part of the Specialist Aviation Services Group and sister company to Medical Aviation Services Ltd. The Gloucestershire based group specialises internationally in Emergency Services Air Support and amongst a fleet of over 30 aircraft, it operates and maintains 18 Explorers in the UK.

For more information visit: www.specialist-aviation.com