Aerial survey operator Swiss Flight Services (SFS) has taken delivery of the first special mission P2012 Sentinel from Tecnam.

The Sentinel, based on the proven P2012 Traveller aircraft series, provides higher class payload, a wide range of sensors and a cabin for one or two crew and up to five operators when both hatches are operational. These capabilities, coupled with its low operating costs and minimal crew training, result in mission efficiency. SFS selected all weather capability with multi-mission setup, granting contemporary payloads operation in the two full size Sentinel hatches.

"We have chosen the P2012 Sentinel because of its versatility and especially its multiple projects profile capability," says general manager Samy Dadoucha.

The high cabin volume and payload will allow for excellent mission performance and plenty of space for sensors and operators console installation. Equipped with full mission equipment and full fuel, at its maximum take off weight of 3,680 kg the Sentinel will provide up to nine hours' endurance and a 1,414 kg allowance for up to six 90 kg crew members, sensor operators and observers with more than 300 kg of mission equipment allowance. Its increased capabilities and superior efficiency in its role, coupled with its competitive entry price and operating costs, will allow the operator to perform the mission with results that were previously relegated only to higher-class platforms and at costs that are just a fraction of those.

“The P2012 design fits perfectly with the special mission market, where operators benefit from the high payload and great mission flexibility, while being supported by the all-weather capabilities and low operating costs offered by the Sentinel series aircraft. We are delighted to have SFS among our valuable special mission customers,” adds Tecnam P2012 sales and business development manager Francesco Sferra.

SFS expects the aircraft to be operational by mid-May 2022.