New law enforcement AutoGyros for Benin and Turkey

AutoGyro delivered five gyroplanes – three Cavalon Sentinels and two Calidus Sentinels – to the government of the West African nation of Benin.

The aircraft are equipped with a range of law enforcement systems, and are the second batch of aircraft delivered by the company to Benin. The company noted that the first set it delivered are already in use in the city of Cotonou, where they support border monitoring and aerial surveillance operations.

As well as supplying aircraft, AutoGyro is also providing training to Beninese pilots through a training program that will run into 2025. The program includes techniques for operating the gyroplanes at night and in mountainous terrain. The first four pilots have already graduated from the course.

Three aircraft for the Turkish Gendarmerie

AutoGyro also announced the delivery of three Cavalon Sentinels to SkyOlympos, the company’s partner in Turkey, ahead of their deployment with the Turkish Gendarmerie (Jandarma).

The Jandarma law enforcement agency will use the aircraft for a range of aerial policing operations.

Both the Cavalon and Calidus Sentinels can operate at speeds of up to 225km/h, and have an operational range of approximately 600km, with an endurance of around four hours.

They feature a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved autopilot, and can be equipped with electro-optical and infrared cameras and real-time data downlinks to support law enforcement operations.

“AutoGyro is immensely proud that our aircraft will be supporting the Turkish Jandarma and government of Benin for many years to come, providing an effective, low-cost solution to their policing needs,” said Gerald Speich, CEO of AutoGyro.

In the USA, the Campbell Police Department has received permission to operate drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) at night.