National Police

Bosnia and Herzegovina Police Aviation Unit

Last updated:
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

The Policija Republike Bosne i Hercegovine was first formed in April 1992, from Yugoslav Police units on Bosnian territory. Two Yugoslav Bell helicopters in Bosnia defected to Serbia around the same time, leaving the service with no aviation unit. In 1996 the Federal Ministry of Interior (FMUP) was created to administer police operations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina area. Policing in the Republika Srpska came under the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska (MUP RS), which had already been established in 1992.


In 2002 a Bell 206 JetRanger was obtained from the USA to restart the Police Aviation Unit.

Key Dates

April 1992 Policija Republike Bosne i Hercegovine formed.
1996 Federal Ministry of Interior formed.
2002 First helicopter delivered.

Current Status

The Police air unit is used primarily for law-enforcement, patrol and search missions.

Future Plans

None known.

Markings

National Insignia


Fin Flash
The national flag is carried as a fin flash. Helicopters carry the service title POLICIJA.

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Bosnian police helicopters carry civil registrations, e.g. T9-AHA.

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
Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III 1 1 0 Policing

All-Time Aircraft Used List

Aircraft Type Quantity Service Entry Out of Service Origin
Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III 1 2002 current USA

Aircraft NOT Used

False reports of aircraft on order or in service – none known.

Organisation

Main Headquarters

To be added.

Organisational Structure

All helicopters are operated by the Police Air Unit.

Current Unit Assignments

Not applicable.

Historical Unit Assignments

Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List

Not applicable.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The helicopter is based at Sarajevo Airport.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

As above.

More Information

Books

Bosnia and Hercegovina Aviation Bibliography – to be added

Magazines

No feature articles known.

Websites

airliners.net

 

Any further photographs illustrating this air arm would be welcome.

 

Australian Federal Police

Last updated:
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is the national police agency of Australia. It has a similar role to the FBI in the USA. It was formed on 19 October 1979 from the merger of the former Commonwealth Police and the Australian Capital Territory Police. In January 2005 the AFP established the Operational Response Team (ORT), a team of specialist tactical police officers trained to assist regular AFP officers serving with the RAMSI peacekeeping force in the Solomon Islands. THe ORT was soon expanded to fulfil further operations, both within Australia and overseas, and was renamed the Operational Response Group (ORG) in 2006. To enable these long distance operations, an Aviation Support Group was created within the OSG, to provide leased aircraft and helicopters under contract. The AFP has no aircraft or helicopters of its own.

The AFP uses aircraft and helicopters as required, for training missions and operational Police work. Operations include tactical, VIP and surveillance tasks. The Aviation Support Group has qualified air crews that work with the contract pilots during police operations. Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopters were contracted from Helicorp, (later brought out by Toll Remote Logistics), for support to the RAMSI operation, while crew and pre-deployment training was conducted with BK117s from United Aero.

On 1 July 2012 the OSG was merged with the AFP’s Canberra-based Specialist Response and Security team (SRS) to create the Specialist Response Group (SRG), with much the same duties but reduced duplication of resources. Somewhat controversialy, from 2013 a Gippsland GA8 Airvan fitted with specialist surveillance equipment was used over Australia. It even had a specific exemption allowing it to operate without navigation lights.

Key Dates

19 October 1979 Australian Federal Police established.
January 2005 Operational Support Team established.
1 July 2012 Specialist Response Group established.

Current Status

The AFP uses leased aircraft and helicopters on short and long term contracts. It has no aircraft of its own.

Future Plans

No plans known.


Markings

Special Markings

The aircraft and helicopters of the AFP operate in the colours of the lease operator, no special markings are applied.

Aircraft Serial Numbers

AFP aircraft and helicopters carry standard Australian civil aircraft registrations.

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
Bell 412 3 2 0 Policing
Gippsland GA8 Airvan 1 1 0 Surveillance

All-Time Aircraft Used List

Aircraft Type Quantity Service Entry Out of Service Origin
Bell 412 3 2004 current leased – Toll Remote Logistics
Gippsland GA8 Airvan 1 2013 2015 leased – Airvan Flight Services
MBB BK117B-2 2 ? ? leased – United Aero

Aircraft NOT Used

No false reports known.

Aircraft Losses and Incidents

No losses known.

Organisation

Main Headquarters

Australian Federal Police, Edmund Barton Building, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

Organisational Structure

The Specialist Response Group of the AFP includes an Aviation Support Unit.

Current Unit Assignments

No subordinate units.

Historical Unit Assignments

Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List

Not applicable.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The Aviation Suport Unit is based in Canberra, ACT.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

Before the creation of the SRG in 2012, the Aviation Suport Unit of the ORG had bases in Canberra, ACT and Melbourne, VIC. There was also a forward AFP base in Brisbane, QLD. The latter two locations were closed in preparation for the establishment of the SRG.


More Information

Books

None known.

Magazines

To be added

Websites

wikipedia: Australian Federal Police
official website
AFP admits high-tech support for search
CASA EX141/11 – Exemption
wikipedia: Operational Response Group
wikipedia: Specialist Response Group
Toll Group

Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.

 

Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Aviation Unit

Last updated:
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is the national police force of Papua New Guinea. The force was formally established circa 1950 with the merger of two former colonial police forces, to form the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary. In 1972 the ‘and’ was dropped from the title.

The huge size of Papua New Guinea, and the limited road network makes air support a very useful tool in law enforcement. A small Aviation Unit was established around 2008. A DHC-6 Twin Otter was obtained on lease from a commercial operator for a few months in 2008. The following year a new Bell 407 helicopter was delivered. In 2013 the helicopter was sold, with no replacement.

Key Dates

2008 RPNGC Aviation Unit established.
Aug 2008 First aircraft delivered – DHC-6 Twin Otter.
2009 First helicopter delivered.
2013 Helicopter withdrawn from use.

Current Status

The RPNGC currently has no aircraft or helicopters.

Future Plans

No plans known.


Markings

National Insignia

Aircraft carry ‘POLICE’ titles on the fuselage sides, and the Constabulary crest near the cockpit.

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Aircraft operating with RPNGC carried Papua New Guinea civil registrations, e.g. Bell 407 P2-POL.

Complete all-time aircraft fleet list.

Unit/Base Codes

Coding system not used.


Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

None – Manufacturers designations used

Current Aircraft Inventory

Not applicable.

All-Time Aircraft Used List

Aircraft Type Quantity Service Entry Out of Service Origin
Bell 407 1 2009 2013 Canada
De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 1 2008 2008 ex-civil

Aircraft NOT Used

No false reports known.

Aircraft Losses and Incidents

None known.

Organisation

Main Headquarters

Spring Gardens Road, Port Moresby.

Organisational Structure

No subordinate units.

Current Unit Assignments

No subordinate units.

Historical Unit Assignments

Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List

Not applicable.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

All aircraft are or were based at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

As above.


More Information

Books

None known.

Magazines

To be added

Websites

wikipedia: Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary

Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.

 

Papua New Guinea Police use of the
De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter

Last updated:
Aircraft Details

History

One DHC-6 Twin Otter 200 obtained in August 2008. Operated by Goroka Air Services on behalf of the Police. Used for Policing duties. Sold to a commercial operator in October 2008.


Individual Details

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
P2-POM 164 P2-MDK Aug 2008 to VH-XFM 16 Oct 2008


Pictures

None at present.

More Information

References

Other Sources

To be added.

Papua New Guinea Police
use of the Bell 407

Last updated:
Aircraft Details

History

One new-build Bell 407 delivered in Sept 2009. Used for policing duties. Sold to a commercial operator between Jan 2013 and May 2014.


Individual Details

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
P2-POL 53338 C-GLZU Sep 2009 Sold to Helifix Operations by May 2014


Pictures

None at present.

More Information

References

Other Sources

To be added.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

Last updated:
in Royal Bahamas Police Service

History

Used by the Royal Bahamas Police Force for transport duties.


Individual Details

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
C6-PFA 208B-2??? nbsp; 2009  


Pictures

None at present.

More Information

References

Other Sources

To be added.

Royal Bahamas Police

Last updated:

History

Narrative Summary

The Royal Bahamas Police Force first established an ‘Airwing Section’ in 1964, operating chartered private aircraft. Its main role was surveillance and air patrol, to discourage illegal immigrants and poachers from entering Bahamas territorial areas. In the late seventies and early eighties the detection of drug trafficking was added to its mandate.

In 1991 the Section acquired its first owned and operated aircraft, a Piper Navajo. A second Navajo was obtained soon afterwards. These aircraft were retired in 2002 and put into open storage without replacement.

Circa 2009 the Section was reorganised and renamed the Air Support Service Unit. In 2009 a new Cessna 208 Grand Caravan was taken into service. Roles now include VIP Transport, Police personnel transport, Search and Rescue support, prisoner transport and border patrol.

Key Dates

1964 RBPF Police Airwing Section established.
1991 Airwing renamed Air Support Service Unit.
1991 First aircraft delivered.
2009 Cessna 208 Grand Caravan delivered.

Current Status

The aircraft of the RBPF are fully operational.

Future Plans

No plans known.


Markings

National Insignia

Aircraft carry ‘ROYAL BAHAMAS POLICE’ titles on the fuselage sides, a small national flag on the fin and the Police crest under the cockpit.

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Aircraft operating with RBP originally carried serial numbers prefixed by RBPF, e.g. Piper Navajo RBPF-1, but more recent aircraft carry Bahamas civil registrations, e.g. Grand Caravan C6-PFA.

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
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan 1 1 0 Transport

All-Time Aircraft Used List

Aircraft Type Quantity Service Entry Out of Service Origin
Piper PA-31 Navajo 2 1991 2002 USA
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan 1 2009 current USA

Aircraft NOT Used

No false reports known.

Aircraft Losses and Incidents

None known.

Organisation

Main Headquarters

Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), Nassau, Bahamas.

Organisational Structure

No subordinate units.

Current Unit Assignments

No subordinate units.

Historical Unit Assignments

Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List

Not applicable.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The aircraft is based at Nassau International Airport.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

As above.


More Information

Books

None known.

Magazines

To be added

Websites

RBPF Air Support Service Unit
Royal Bahamas Police Force gets new 14-seater Cessna Caravan
Scramble: Bahamas

Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.

 

Honduran National Police

Last updated:
Operator Profile

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History

Narrative Summary

The first Honduran National Police force was established in 1888. After military rule was imposed, the Police force was dissolved and replaced by a succession of para-military organisations, starting with the Civil Guard.

In 1998 the Honduran National Police force was re-established as a civil force under the Ministry of Security. The Directorate of National Preventive Police (Dirección Nacional de la Policía Preventiva – DNPP) established an aviation unit in 1999, with the delivery of two Bell 206 helicopters.

Key Dates

5 January 1888    Policia Nacional de Honduras first established.
1959    Police dissolved and replaced by Civil Guard.
1963    Security Task Force (CES) replaces Civil Guard.
1975    Public Security Force (FUSEP) replaces CES.
28 May 1998    Policia Nacional de Honduras re-established.
1999    PNH Aviation Unit established.

Current Status

The PNH helicopters were intended to be used primarily to provide air support to ground commands. In fact, a scandal errupted when it was discovered they were mainly used for VIP transport of government officials.

Future Plans

No further aquisitions are planned.

Markings

National Insignia

PNH helicopters initially wore a white and silver colour scheme with the PNH shield on the fuselage side, together with the service titles ‘POLICIA NACIONAL’. The national flag appeared on the tail fin. By 2009 the silver was replaced by blue, but the other markings were unchanged.

Aircraft Serial Numbers

All PNH helicopters carry civil registrations, e.g. HR-PNV.

Unit/Base Codes

Coding system not used

Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

None – Manufacturers designations used

Current Aircraft Inventory

Click on aircraft type for more details
Aircraft Type Total
Del'd 		Total
Now 		Still On
Order 		Role
Bell 206B JetRanger II220Policing

All-Time Aircraft Used List

Click on aircraft type for more details
Aircraft Type Quantity Service Entry Retirement Origin
Bell 206B JetRanger II21999currentUSA

Aircraft NOT Used

No false reports known.

Organisation

Main Headquarters

Policia Nacional de Honduras, Cuartel General Casamata, Tegucigalpa, M.D.C.

Organisational Structure

All helicopters are operated by the Escuadron Aeropolicial of the Policia Nacional Preventiva.

Current Unit Assignments

Escuadron Aeropolicial

Historical Unit Assignments

Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List

Not applicable.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

All helicopters are based at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin IAP.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

As above.

More Information

Books

Honduras Aviation Bibliography – to be added

Magazines

No feature articles known.

Websites

Wikipedia.es
Official Website
Facebook page
Scramble: Honduras – Police

Any further photographs illustrating this air arm would be welcome.

Bell 206B JetRanger II

Last updated:
in Honduran National Police Service

History

Two Bell 206B delivered in 1999. Used by the Polica Nacional de Honduras.


Individual Details

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
HR-PNV 4507 N8240X 1999  
HR-PNW 4509 N82696 1999  


Pictures

None at present.

More Information

References

Other Sources

To be added.

New Zealand Police

Last updated:
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

The New Zealand Police in Auckland launched air support trials with a leased Bell 206 JetRanger in November 1988, following a series of bank robberies. The trials were very successful, but the single-engined helicopter type was deemed unsuitable for the job. In March (July?) 1989 a twin-engined Aerospatiale AS355 was placed on permanent lease, and the ‘Eagle’ Air Support Unit formally established. A second AS355 was obtained in 1991.

At around the same time, the Police began covert operations for aerial spotting of marijuana plantations. This was done using leased aircraft and helicopters on contract from Airwork and Scott Aviation, and also with police-owned Cessna light aircraft with false registrations. These operations have incurred at least two fatal accidents, a mid-air colision in 1993, and a fatal crash in 2005.

The Police now operate a Cessna 172 and a Hughes 500D in plain markings, but with POLICE registrations, in connection with these drug-growing searches.

Key Dates

November 1988 Start of a trial operation in Auckland using a leased Bell 206 helicopter.
March 1989 Dedicated AS355 enters service with Auckland unit.
July 1991 Second AS355 enters service with Auckland unit.
26 November 1993 Fatal mid-air collision involving aircraft leased by the Police.

Current Status

The aircraft of the NZP ASU are fully operational.

Future Plans

No plans known.


Markings

National Insignia

No special markings or service titles are displayed.

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Aircraft operating for the New Zealand Police have an exemption to carry ‘Police ‘ markings instead of a conventional registration, e.g. AS355 POLICE 1. Known registrations are POLICE 1, 2, 3 and 5. It is not known if there was actually a POLICE 4.

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
Aerospatiale AS 355F1 Twin Squirrel 2 2 0 Policing
Cessna 172 1 1 0 Anti-drug Patrol
Hughes 500D 1 1 0 Anti-drug Patrol

All-Time Aircraft Used List

Aircraft Type Quantity Service Entry Out of Service Origin
Aerospatiale AS 355F1 Twin Squirrel 2 1989 current France
Bell 206B JetRanger 2 1988 1991 USA
Cessna 172 1 ? current USA
Hughes 500D 1 ? current USA

Aircraft NOT Used

No false reports known.

Aircraft Losses and Incidents

See narrative above.

Organisation

Main Headquarters

New Zealand Police, 180 Molesworth Street, Wellington, PO Box 3017.

Organisational Structure

New Zealand Police Air Support seems to constist of a very high profile ‘Eagle’ helicopter unit based in Auckland, and a very low profile marijuana spotting operation based elsewhere.

Current Unit Assignments

No subordinate units.

Historical Unit Assignments

Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List

Not applicable.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The AS355s of the ‘Eagle’ Air Support Unit are based at the Mechanics Bay heliport on the Auckland waterfront. The Hughes 500 has been seen at Rotorua, and the Cessna both at Hamilton and Rotorua.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

As above.


More Information

Books

None known.

Magazines

To be added

Websites

AB-IX
Police Eagle Unit receives international recognition
Airliners.net
111 Emergency: Police Air and Sea
Air support ‘Eagle’ unit
Cessna’R’Us
NZ Civil Aircraft: Police 2
NZ Civil Aircraft: Cessna 172
Police 3

Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.