NPAS take delivery of first NVIS upgraded aircraft

The UK National Police Air Service (NPAS) has taken delivery of its first upgraded H135 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters. The service is due to receive a total of seven upgraded H135 helicopters after signing a deal with Airbus in December 2017 worth £1.5 million, in which it agreed to equip and standardise the helicopter fleet’s Night Vision (NVIS) capability.

The new upgrade will allow all seven aircraft to perform NVIS operations down to ground level. The first helicopter to have the upgraded capabilities was purchased by the service in 2002 and has acquired more than 15,000 flight hours total.

“Airbus Helicopters’ UK design team is recognised as a European leader in the design and integration of night vision capabilities across the company’s range of helicopters, while the company’s 30-year heritage supporting the development of UK police aviation and their collaborative approach has meant the impact on fleet availability and operations has been minimised,” said Oliver Dismore, NPAS T/Accountable Manager.

The upgrade has meant a stripping and re-equipping of most the cockpit instrumentation, including flight and mission equipment and new FENN700+ night vision goggles.

Colin James, UK Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters, said: “Whether designing innovative rotary-wing solutions for UK and overseas customers or supporting UK helicopter fleet availability, our aircraft are the best fit for policing and emergency services missions and our UK team, working 24/7 from sites across the UK, ensures these can be relied on to deliver day in, day out.”