GippsAero’s Airvan to expand SBCSD’s surveillance mission capabilities

The GippsAero-Mahindra Aerospace’ GA8 Airvan has been selected by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) as its next generation Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) mission platform.

The GA8 Airvan, which has been selected following an extensive review of available platforms, will replace current fleet of Cessna aircraft while expanding mission capabilities and lower operational costs for the SBCSD.

Flight Department Head captain Dale Gregory said that the GA8 Airvan demonstrated to be surveillance platform for the money to address the needs of SBCSD.

"We operate in desert to mountain topography from sea level (and below) to over 14,000 feet in highly challenging conditions," Gregory added.

"We required a multi-mission capable, high performance aircraft which can handle the variety of missions and environments in which we operate."

SBCSD chief fixed wing pilot Wayne Pliss said Airvan is an all-around performer and has been selected as next generation surveillance and mission support aircraft.

"The Airvan provides outstanding hot and high capabilities, which is imperative in our operational environment," Pliss added.
Currently, Airvan is operational with the US with a fleet of 16 mission aircraft flown by the US Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol while the company has delivered over 200 Airvans worldwide till date.