Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Not known |
| English Title: |
| Royal Oman Police Air Wing |
| Abbreviation: |
| ROPAW |
| First Established: |
| 1975 |
| ICAO Code: |
| ? |
| Country: |
| Oman |
| Status: |
| Active |
History
Narrative Summary
The traditional law-enforcing agency in Oman was the Al Askar, which had been operating for centuries. After 1970 the country began to modernise rapidly and in September 1974 the first aircraft was received. Shortly afterwards, the organisation was renamed the Royal Oman Police.
Key Dates
| 4 November 1974 | Service officially named the Royal Oman Police. | |
| 1975 | Police aviation unit established. | |
| 1976 | Police aviation unit becomes operational. |
Current Status
The duties of the Royal Oman Police include disaster relief operations, EMS duties and coast guard support/SAR operations.
Future Plans
None known.
Markings
National Insignia
Main markingFin Flash
The Royal Oman Police insignia is displayed on the fuselage sides of helicopters and on the fin of fixed-wing aircraft. A fin flash is carried by the helicopters. No service titles are displayed.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Royal Oman Police aircraft carry civil registrations. Prior to 1978, aircraft were registered in the series A40-AI to A40-AU, but from 1978 onwards all aircraft are registered in the A40-Cx series, with letters being re-used as old aircraft are retired.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
| Aircraft Type | Total Del’d | Total Active | Still on Order | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agusta A109E | 2 | 2 | 0 | Policing |
| AgustaWestland AW139 | 10 | 10 | 0 | Policing |
| CASA CN.234M | 2 | 2 | 0 | Transport |
| Dornier Do 228-100 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Transport |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin | Agusta A109E | 2 | 2005 | current | Italy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AgustaWestland AW139 | 10 | 2007 | current | Italy |
| Beech Queen Air | 1 | 19?? | 19?? | USA |
| Bell 205A | 3 | 1976 | 2007 | USA |
| Bell 206B | 3 | 1976 | 1988 | USA |
| Bell 222 | 2 | 1980 | 1987 | USA |
| Bell 214ST | 6 | 1983 | 2005? | USA |
| Boeing 727 | 1 | 1981 | 1993 | USA |
| Britten-Norman BN-2T Islander | 1 | 1989 | 2000 | UK |
| CASA CN.235M | 2 | 1993 | current | Spain |
| De Havilland Canada DHC-5D Buffalo | 3 | 1978 | 1998 | Canada |
| Dornier Do 228-100 | 2 | 1984 | current | Germany |
| Gates Learjet 25 | 1 | 1975 | 1979 | USA |
| Gates Learjet 35A | 1 | 1978 | 1988 | USA |
| Hughes 369D | 1 | 1978 | 19?? | USA |
| Pilatus PC-6B | 2 | 1974 | 1984 | Switzerland |
| Swearingen Metro | 2 | 1976 | 1979 | USA |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Qurum.
Organisational Structure
No information.
Current Order of Battle
No information.
Historical Orders of Battle
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
One ROPAW base is Seeb Airport – the other bases used are currently not known.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
Not applicable.
More Information
Books
To be added
Magazines
None known.
Websites
Official Royal Oman Police webpage
I flew for the Royal Oman Police Airwing from its start in 1976 until 1981. Was employed on the Pilatus PT6 then the Metroliner and D.H.C Buffalo.Great aeroplanes,great country and great people. Have many happy memories.The very best to current members of the Air Wing
My husband, Pete Lauren’s, also worked for Royal Oman airwing as an aircraft engineer for a almost10 years.Left around 1989.Great country,great people as you commented.Very sad day when we left.Pete and I would love to visit the country again.
I flew the Casa CN235 for the ROP from 1998-2005….great memories of my 6 year stint. Great people, amazing country. I’ll leave my Boeing 777/787 airline job anytime to go back to the relaxed work environment in Oman.
Terry
Boeing 777/787 Captain
Etihad Airways