Written by In recent weeks residents of Blackpool have been able to hear a droning noise in the air – unlike a police helicopter – a police plane isn’t able to hover in one spot at the same time – however – it can stay airborn for much longer.
This image taken from tracking website Radarbox shows the typical pattern that a police plane flys in – circles.
The Vulkanair P. 68R plane is operated by Humberside police force and is stationed at Doncaster Airport but is often used because of it’s range and loitering ability – by other police forces as far as elsmere port and the wirral.
According to website UK aviation news
Based out of the NPAS base at Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA/EGCN) the aircraft will operate across the UK tasked in a similar way to the Helicopter fleet.
The aircraft, Vulcanair P68, offer greater speed and operational endurance times compared to helicopters so are often used for tasks such as crowd monitoring as well as crime detection.
Two of the aircraft are certified to operate and have already carried out over 100 tasks in the last two months.
Ian Vause, Assistant Operations Director for the National Police Air Service said: “Providing a unique aerial view to police officers on the ground, the addition of planes to the National Police Air Service helicopter fleet has already boosted our ability to respond to policing needs across the UK.
“Supporting the location of suspects and vehicles, of vulnerable missing people and the policing ‘command and control’ of large public gatherings, such as sports matches and other events, air support is a vital tool in combatting crime and disorder and keeping people safe.
“We save local police time when it really matters and I am delighted to be able to do this more often and in more locations through the addition of this new arm to our fleet.”
The custom-built base at Doncaster Sheffield Airport is one of 14 NPAS bases around the UK that support local police forces across England and Wales.