Crime-fighting aeroplanes are preparing to patrol the skies above Greater Manchester, helping to track and catch villains below. The National Police Air Service has confirmed its four fixed-wing aircraft will now be deployed across the region, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.
Initial flights have taken place, with a police plane up for five hours on Thursday night covering areas across Greater Manchester. Dedicated aircraft patrols are set to start in earnest from next month.
The four planes - each capable of covering a range of 800 miles - have traditionally only served the North East region of the country since 2020. But the National Strategic Board, which governs the National Police Air Service (NPAS), announced in February it had taken the decision to extend the service provided by its fleet to support policing operations across England and Wales.
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The planes will complement police helicopter patrols already flying the skies across the region. Crewed by a pilot plus a tactical flight officer, the aircraft are kitted out with the same mission equipment as police helicopters.
They carry a specialist camera, a mapping system, downlink transmitters and have UK-wide radio communications. Once in flight, they can remain airborne for around eight hours.
The news will be welcomed by officers - as helicopter support has proved crucial in tracking and filming suspects from the air. Helicopter team often guide officers on the ground to the location of suspects, and capture vital evidence used against them in court cases.
The planes, said NPAS, will also be used to cover large-scale public events from the skies, monitoring crowds and liaising with cops on the ground in the event of any issues. Police chiefs say the move will enhance cover and flexibility when helicopters are already deployed or grounded for maintenance.
Board chair, John Campion, said: "Since January 2020, the aeroplanes have mainly served the North East region, from their base in Doncaster. The aircraft will now be used to support operational policing, in conjunction with the helicopter fleet, across England and Wales.
"Following consideration of the fleet's capability, endurance and cost, the board determined that the aeroplanes offer increased value as a national asset. The excellent endurance of the aeroplanes makes them particularly suitable for policing large scale events, as well as being highly effective in conducting lengthy searches and carrying out prolonged vehicle pursuits."
NPAS was formed in 2012 as part of a national collaborative agreement and is funded by the police forces. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has a fleet of 19 helicopters operating from 15 bases, plus the four aeroplanes.
