iscover
Design objective of the OpticalScoutmaster is to be able to perform low level slow speed surveillance and patrol missions previously undertaken by rotary wing aircraft. The Scoutmaster costs only a fraction to purchase and operate by comparison with a modern helicopter in the Jetranger class. (SA Police)
Airtest – Brooklands/ASTA Scoutmaster
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Loitering With Intent
A Preview of the Operational Version of the Optica
Over a five day period earlier this year the National Police Research Unit coordinated an evaluation of the Scoutmaster surveillance aircraft. A team of Police pilots and observers from the South Australian, New South Wales and Victorian Police Air Wings subjected the aircraft to a series of representative surveillance and search missions to evaluate its suitability for Police operations. The NPRU project team also used independent consultants to examine the engine, airframe and avionics. During this period I was fortunate to be invited to fly the aircraft.
‘Scoutmaster’ is the name given to the operational version of the Optica and by any standards, it is a unique aircraft. From a distance it resembles some sort of giant insect, or perhaps one of those imaginary vehicles made from pieces of several different aircraft.
The fact that it is unique is a fair indication that it is a specialised craft rather than a compromise trying to fill many roles. It is designed for and is particularly good at one role and it doesn’t pretend to be otherwise. It is an aerial surveillance veh- icle-and in this role it is unmatched by anything else in the world.
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