With the help of a Home Office funding grant, the UK’s Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have bought themselves a brand new MD 902 Explorer. The aircraft boasts Nightsun search light capabilities, thermal and video camera set-up and a tracker vehicle recovery system which is able to provide live aerial pictures to officers on the ground.

Said a spokesman: “The Explorer is fast and versatile and is capable of carrying a substantial payload. It has an excellent flight time endurance and take-off response time. Aircraft navigation also increases its efficiency using 'Moving Map' technology which can identify a location down to the name of a business. This technology will help to provide a speedy and accurate response to persons in need and, if required, provide visual evidence in court.

“Noise pollution will also be reduced by 40%, taking advantage of five main rotor blades and 'no tail' rotor technology.”

During its 10,000 hours flying time, GMP says its existing helicopter has been responsible for the arrest of thousands of prisoners and the recovery of millions of pounds worth of property.

The MD 902’s purchase has been offset by the Home Office grant and by the sale of this original helicopter.

At the launch of the aircraft, Greater Manchester police chief David Wilmot said: "Through the advances in aviation technology, this aircraft provides the Force with the tools to expand our policing capabilities”.