NPAS reviews progress of fleet replacement

Above: (left to right) – Bruce Cooper (Head of Technical Services), Ch Supt Fiona Gaffney (Accountable Manager) and Glenn Shelley (Head of Business Services), NPAS.
Courtesy NPAS

The visit formed a key part of the ongoing development and assurance process, allowing NPAS to examine build quality, discuss aircraft standards and confirm that the emerging platform will meet the future operational needs of UK policing.

Ch Supt Fiona Gaffney (Accountable Manager), Glenn Shelley (Head of Business Services) and Bruce Cooper (Head of Technical Services) met with Airbus production, engineering and support teams. The delegation took part in a full factory tour and viewed the first aircraft currently in build. Colleagues from Airbus UK also attended, as they will be responsible for integrating the mission systems and equipment that customise each aircraft for UK police operations.

NPAS were also able to confirm that the first two aircraft are due to arrive at Airbus UK in Oxford at the end of February.

G-NPAA will enter the modification programme shortly after arrival. NPAS will initially operate G-NPAS to support the development of the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) manual and training framework for the new type, before subsequently entering the modification programme in line with the wider fleet.

While one aircraft will support training development activity for a short period, none of the new aircraft will be designated solely as training aircraft. Pilot training is scheduled to begin in early March as part of this phased introduction.

The visit comes at a time of continued high demand for police aviation. Airbus’ current orderbook – which includes new H135s for UK policing – reflects sustained national investment in helicopter capability. 

Police air support remains a vital component of frontline operational response across the country and the introduction of new aircraft will ensure NPAS can continue delivering that capability for many years to come.

Bruce Cooper, Head of Technical Services at NPAS, said: “This visit marks an important milestone in ensuring the replacement programme continues to align with NPAS expectations on capability, quality and delivery timelines. 

"Further visits and formal acceptance activities will take place over the coming months as the programme progresses.”