The Mahindra Aerospace GA8 Airvan by GippsAero has been selected for a bid award for the purchase of a GA8 Airvan by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Gary Standel, President of West Coast Aircraft Sales (WCAS) states “the Airvan was selected in a competitive bidding process as we were the lowest cost bidder able to be fully compliant with bid requirements. The Airvan’s unique abilities to support multiple missions as well as its exceptionally low operating costs allowed it to address the stringent requirements of the CHP.”
The Airvan with its quick change interior, large payload capacity (1,300 lbs. plus with full fuel) and outstanding hot and high performance is uniquely suited to the demands of the CHP. Exceptionally low operating costs (<$200/hr.) and affordable acquisition price provides even the most cost conscious the ability to fit operations within budget. An attractive municipal leasing program for the Airvan is also available from a WCAS affiliate. Acting as prime contractor, WCAS is the western USA distributor for the Airvan family of aircraft and specializes in ISR configured solutions.
Successfully flying ISR missions internationally since 2003, the Airvan is in daily service in the United States with 16 flown by the USAF Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol. Mahindra Aerospace, through acquisition of GippsAero, has delivered in excess of 200 aircraft world-wide and has implemented a sales, service and support network in North America. Recently selected by another major western region law enforcement agency, the Airvan is quickly gaining acceptance as the cost effective surveillance platform of choice.
Gary Bushouse, head of Airvan sales at WCAS states, “we have partnered with Paravion Technology of Ft. Collins, CO, to provide custom mission equipment integration for the CHP. Paravion’s track record of successful installations, its industry knowledge and expertise make them a strong partner to provide a mission ready solution.”
Bushouse continues, “the Airvan has solved many of the issues operators of first generation surveillance aircraft have encountered. Unique in this class of aircraft, the certified workstations, equipment rack and camera/sensor mounted in a retractable pod provide exceptional operational utility and for long endurance missions. With the camera/sensor retracted for landing, a completely discrete ground presence is presented.”
To learn more about the unique configurations and mission capabilities the Airvan provides ISR operators, please visit: www.wcas.aero/airvan.