PARIS:Abu Dhabi takes up new option for maritime patrol

The Guardian 400 is described as a cost-effective solution for twenty-first century surveillance, security, sovereignty and search and rescue operations due to the low acquisition and operating costs, while its modern, flexible sensor package will give the customer a mix and match ability to better meet their financial and operational requirements.

Launching the concept at the Paris Air Show, Viking Aircraft said the aircraft is designed for extreme operating environments, the Guardian 400 will include a restricted category increased take-off weight and extended range internal patrol tank, allowing for operational sorties over 10 hours in duration.  In addition, the Guardian 400 will be outfitted with an electro-optical and infrared imaging turret which can be displayed on either the flight deck Honeywell Primus Apex Multi Function Display, or on a separate cabin console.  Other features will include spotter camera, laser range finder and a laser illuminator.

At the show today Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) of Abu Dhabi, executed a purchase agreement for ten new Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft, and if all options are exercised could push the value over $65M USD.

The agreement includes six landplane configured DHC-6 Series 400 and four Guardian 400 Twin Otters, to be used throughout the UAE for government and commercial operations.  Also included in the agreement are special order options, such as upgraded PT6A-35 Hot & High performance engines, optional float landing gear installations, interchangeable VIP/high density interiors, tactical avionics and sensor packages, as well as a comprehensive initial provisioning support package of spares, ground support equipment and flight/technical ground crew training.

Additionally, the aircraft can be fitted with a light weight, 360 degree digital color radar system with Track-While-Scan capability, including long range navigation position update, target positions transmission, location latitude and longitude, target heading and velocity.

Ideally suited for SAR and maritime patrol, the Guardian 400 will be equipped with 4 crew observation stations, rescue equipment drop hatch, air operable cargo door, search light, and a galley with adjacent lavatory for crew comfort.  Increasing the versatility of the aircraft, the Guardian 400 will be offered on floats, skis or wheels and have 4 wing hard points for additional stores.

“The Twin Otter has been used around the world for decades to carry out special missions due to its ability to operate in challenging environments,” commented David Curtis, Viking president and CEO.  “By offering a customized version of the Series 400 Twin Otter tailored for military and government operations, namely the Guardian 400, Viking is able to provide its customers with a modern and economical solution for their infrastructure requirements.”

The Guardian 400 is based on the Viking Twin Otter Series 400 production aircraft, which features over 400 design improvements to modernize the type and incorporate value added technology.  The introduction of the Honeywell Primus Apex fully integrated avionics suite, uprated Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34/35 engines, and use of composites are just some of the features of the Series 400 that will improve on the already renowned STOL performance.

The first Abu Dhabi aircraft delivery is scheduled for early 2010, with subsequent aircraft deliveries occurring in 2011 and 2012.  The first four aircraft will be delivered with  Guardian 400 options, including an electro optical and infrared imaging turret equipped with a low light camera and digital recorder, NVG compatible flight deck, air conditioning, air operable cargo door, and lavatory.

Cory Mahanna, chief operating officer for GAL “welcomes the new Series 400 Twin Otters to the region.”  He added, “The ability for the aircraft to operate in the extreme climate and conditions of the Middle East in multiple configurations offers our fleet reliability and versatility that our customers have come to depend on and demand of Viking aircraft.”

“The GAL Agreement represents our largest single customer order to date,” noted David Curtis, Viking president & CEO, “and we’re extremely pleased to have such strong presence in the UAE, which is proving to be a considerable market for the new Series 400 Twin Otter.”

In addition to the purchase agreement, Viking has assigned GAL the exclusive contract to act as territory representative for the Middle East region and Algeria for the new DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft. This agreement allows GAL to represent Viking for DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft sales and spares support in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.