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.
About West Coast Aircraft Sales
West Coast Aircraft Sales, LLC is an industry leading international aircraft acquisition and re-sale company. With over 25 years of experience, we consistently create optimized solutions for sellers and purchasers in the sale, acquisition and ownership of small, medium and large jet, turbo prop and utility aircraft. West Coast is the exclusive Airvan distributor for the western region of the United States.
Please visit www.wcas.aero for more information.
About Paravion Technology Inc.
Paravion® Technology, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer, and integrator of aircraft accessories. With over 60 FAA STC’s, Paravion’s products include heating systems, air conditioning systems, blade folding systems, surveillance system mounts and integrations, and the Heliporter®, the industry standard ground-handling unit for helicopters.
Please visit www.paravion.com for more information.
About Mahindra Aerospace
Mahindra Aerospace the Australian manufacturer of the GA8 Airvan, is the aircraft manufacturing division of Mahindra Aerospace. The company has manufactured in excess of 200 aircraft, which fly in 34 countries around the world, including USA, Australia, Europe, Africa and Asia. Mahindra Aerospace is the aircraft and aero-structure manufacturing division of Mahindra Systech, and a global player in the delivery of aircraft, aero-structures and aircraft development services. With its acquisition of two Australia-based aviation companies, Aerostaff Australia – producer of aerospace components for the world’s OEMs – and GippsAero – producer of the Airvan family of utility aircraft – Mahindra Aerospace has laid the foundations towards achieving its goals.
Please visit www.mahindraaerospace.com for more information.