TAKING A CLOSER LOOK FROM THE AIR...
21 Sep 10

By: Nolene Scott
Source: IHS Janes

South Africa is among many countries in Africa experiencing an increase in illegal cross-border activities and poaching of natural resources. Particularly at risk are endangered species such as rhino, of which close to 190 have been poached this year alone. Along the coast, valuable marine resources, especially abalone and lobster, are depleted, while in deeper waters illegal fishing continues unabated.

Faced by ever-more sophisticated criminal syndicates, the authorities are hamstrung by both inadequate manpower and budget restrictions. Local firms Carl Zeiss Optronics (Stand 5N11), part of the German parent, and National Airways Corporation (NAC) (Stand 8N1) have teamed to offer advanced technology at an affordable price.

NAC provided the Pacific Aerospace P-750 XSTOL (extremely short take-off and landing) turboprop aircraft equipped with the proven Zeiss stabilised electro-optic airborne surveillance system. Global Composite Solutions designed a cargo pod to accommodate the Zeiss gimbal and a powerful searchlight, as well as batteries and an additional fuel tank.

The searchlight and surveillance equipment were run from a power supply independent from that of the aircraft. Both retract during the fast 160kt positioning cruise.

Whereas the LEO II-A5-EP surveillance system is widely used around the world on law enforcement helicopters, it is arguably the first time Zeiss had installed it on a fixed-wing platform. The multisensor system significantly expands the aircraft's ability to perform longrange surveillance, search and rescue and other missions under all environmental conditions. The gimbal contains a 3-CCD daylight TV camera with powerful zoom lens, video autotracker, thermal imager and an eye-safe laser pointer.

With the sensor payload's ability to operate optimally from high altitudes and long slantdistances, the P-750 XSTOL platform enhances crew flexibility and safety as it undertakes covert surveillance. Once over the target area, the P-750 XSTOL comes into its own: loitering at a slow 75kt. With the additional fuel tank, range and endurance are vastly improved.

NAC's sales director, JP Fourie, said, "The P-750 XSTOL compares exceptionally well in terms of price and performance with other platforms. It is fast, yet highly flexible with its STOL characteristics, taking off in less than 250m with a 1,800kg load, even in hot and high conditions. Its operational costs are only a third of comparable turbine helicopters - important in the developing world context."

The P-750 XSTOL on display at AAD2010 with the Carl Zeiss Optronics surveillance system is the first prototype, but has already been allocated to the Botswana government, which has been looking for a suitable aircraft to patrol its borders and assist with nature conservation. As the Botswana police already operate the Carl Zeiss Optronics LEO airborne surveillance system, an adaptation to a fixedwing platform was relatively easy and quick. According to NAC, the project was completed in less than three months.