Greece’s Hellenic Air Force (HAF) has taken delivery of the first of two Bombardier 415 MP aircraft in search and rescue (SAR) configuration. The aircraft, which had been sold previously to the HAF, has been modified as part of a development performed in cooperation with SAAB Nyge Aero AB of Sweden.

A variant of the rugged Bombardier 415, the MP

model incorporates numerous modifications to perform surveillance missions, with the additional benefit of direct interventions at sea.

Typical missions include search and rescue, maritime patrol,

law enforcement and environ-

mental control.

The Bombardier 415 MP retains the capability to carry, drop and scoop in excess of  6,100 litres of water. It is fitted with sensors to locate and identify vessels, people in distress, and pollutants.

The sensor suite includes infrared and daylight cameras, a side-looking airborne radar and a nose-mounted weather and search radar.

The 415 MP also has the ability to quickly deploy a specialised jet boat that can carry a rapid intervention team’s of five persons at more

than 80 km/h.

The design of the mission equipment allows reconfiguration of the aircraft to transport cargo, personnel, casualties on stretchers, paratroops or underwater divers, in less than two hours.

“The Bombardier 415 MP is a very capable and cost-effective aircraft able to carry out a multitude of specialised missions that previously required dedicated aircraft,” said Michel Bourgeois, president, Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft.

“The advent of this new model reflects both the growing market interest in multi-purpose platforms to perform a broad range of tasks in public security and civil protection, as well as our commitment to enhancing the value proposition of our products through continuing investment.”