New ISR Platform Built On the Savannah S Airframe

ConciAir has launched "The Defender", a solution for airborne law enforcement. The aircraft is a derivative of I.C.P. Aviation’s Savannah S. In addition to announcing the launch of the Defender, I.C.P. Aviation North America (ICPANA) has agreed to become the exclusive supplier of ready to fly (RTF) aircraft for its advanced airborne surveillance program.

“I.C.P.’s Savannah, with more than 2000 flying world-wide, is the logical choice for surveillance-equipped aircraft considering its elegant speed envelope (STOL), large useful load and efficient operating costs," said Valter della Nebbia, President of ICPANA. "We are pleased ConciAir has chosen the Savannah S for its platform.”

“We have been searching for months for the perfect platform. The Savannah simply exceeded every requirement we designed for this project," said Kelvin Boyette, President of ConciAir. "In addition, Valter and have proven to be excellent business partners. In addition, they have gone out of their way to accommodate the mission specific changes that will be made to the base model Savannah. The combination of a proven, superior aircraft coupled with the dedicated staff at ICPANA made this an easy decision.”

ConciAir’s ISR platform partner in this program is Cloud Cap Technology with their TASE imaging systems. Three packages will be offered: the TASE 200, TASE 350, and TASE 400, all with a proprietary right strut mount offered as standard equipment. “The market needed this” said Stan Pruitt, Director of Airborne Law Enforcement at ConciAir. “There are approximately 225 law enforcement aviation units in the United States. In contrast, there are over 3100 county level law enforcement agencies. As such, 92.8% of the market does not currently have any means of airborne law enforcement.”

The predominant limiting factor in bringing airborne surveillance to the remaining agencies is the acquisition and operational costs of the traditional helicopter unit. Typical non-government surplus acquisition costs range from $500,000 to over $2 million. Government surplus aircraft can be acquired for little initial costs, but the costs of returning those helicopters to service often approach the $500,000 mark as well. Direct and indirect hourly operating costs for a helicopter vary greatly, but typically fall in the range of $250/hour to $1200/hour. The Defender, with hourly operational costs less than $25/hour combined its extremely low acquisition cost, is a perfect solution for the small to medium sized agencies, according to ConciAir.

The TASE 200 equipped Defender, turnkey for daytime surveillance and limited infrared operations, will start at $299,000. The TASE 350 equipped Defender, which adds a two step zoom for better nighttime infrared surveillance, will be priced at $399,000. The TASE 400, which is a turnkey, fully functional daytime and nighttime surveillance package, will be offered at $499,000.

Glass panels by Garmin, Advanced, and Dynon will be offered as standard equipment based upon Customer preferences. The aircraft will be assembled at ICPANA’s hangars in Archer City, Texas. Aviation Modification Leaders (AML) has been chosen as the ITAR compliant integrator for installation of the TASE systems as well as any other customized avionics. AML, headquartered in Argyle, Texas will complete the work in their satellite hangar facility in Roanoke, Texas. ConciAir will also offer customized consulting packages to its customers.

FMI: www.ConciAir.aero