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AFP, PNP eye using ‘SparrowHawk’ for patrol ops
Topic Started: Oct 24 2006, 02:39 AM (833 Views)
israeli
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-- Sparrowhawk light aircraft


AFP, PNP eye using ‘SparrowHawk’ for patrol operations
By James Mananghaya
The Philippine Star 10/23/2006


It may be small like a sparrow, but it’s as keen as a hawk.

The military is eyeing the possibility of acquiring a revolutionary aircraft that is small yet can be used in various patrol, reconnaissance, surveillance and security operations.

Welcome the "SparrowHawk," a lightweight and cost-efficient gyroplane offered by a Subic-based firm to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Michael Cowan, vice president and chief of operations of Gyroplane Rotorcraft Inc., said during the presentation of the "SparrowHawk" at Camp Aguinaldo that their product, which is manufactured by American Autogyro, may be the answer to the equipment shortage in the military, as the "SparrowHawk" is cost-efficient and is relatively cheaper than the conventional helicopters or airplanes used by the AFP.

Cowan said the "SparrowHawk" costs about P4.2 million — the price of a sports utility vehicle. Maintaining the aircraft costs about $20 an hour, including fuel and overhaul costs.

The gyroplane consumes 6.5 gallons of unleaded automobile fuel, instead of expensive jet A1 fuel.

It uses a 165-horsepower Subaru EJ25 engine and has a two-blade rotor measuring 30 feet. Its frame is made of aluminum, while its cabin is made of molded fiberglass.

The "SparrowHawk" is equipped with navigation lights, a VHF communications system, an intercom and global positioning system (GPS).

The aircraft has a fuselage length of 12 feet, stands 10 feet and is six feet wide. It can carry two passengers, as well as a load of 650 pounds.

Cowan said that because the "SparrowHawk" can fly as high as 10,000 feet, it is difficult for enemies to spot and is often used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

"It can travel 250 nautical miles from the time it takes off and has a 30 minute reserve so, in case you run low on fuel, you will have enough time to find a place to land," he said.

Besides being cost effective, the gyroplane is easier to fly and is very safe, Cowan said. "It can take gusty winds like an ordinary helicopter. It flies like any fixed-wing airplane. It’s just like flying a Cessna or a Piper," he said, referring to two kinds of single engine, fixed-wing aircraft.

AFP Public Information Office chief Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said a team was formed by the military leadership to study the possible use of the SparrowHawk in their operations.

Bacarro also said the AFP has not yet signed a deal with the Subic-based firm for the acquisition of the aircraft, though they are studying the full potential of utilizing the "SparrowHawk" for military operations, in combat or for humanitarian missions, such as rescue and relief operations.

Under the Philippine Defense Reform program of the Department of National Defense, the capability of the AFP is to be upgraded, a mandate that includes the procurement of modern equipment for its major services — the Army, Air Force and Navy.
"To secure peace is to prepare for war." - Carl Von Clausewitz
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saver111
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Looking at it, I remember the 2 seater personal helicopter former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez donated to the PNP for traffic patrol. Haven't seen it since then.
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Justice for Daniel Lorenz Jacinto

HELP END PIRACY NOW!:
http://www.itfseafarers.org/petition.cfm
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Banahaw
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Interesting...usable in certain situations but useless when it has no fast movers and gunships to call on everytime it spots the enemy, unless it can be armed adequately - like the Defenders.
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Spidey
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Its next to useless, the same amount can buy a UAV which can do the same recon work without the added expense of paying the salary and benefits of the pilot!

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Tora^2
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In fairness to the thing, the PNP can make use of it in traffic control over Metro Manila or Metro Cebu considering it seems cheaper to operate than a helicopter.

The Army can also use it to spot for artillery.

However, I do agree that for all other surveillance missions, UAVs can do a better job since they can stay in the air longer. This is because UAV aircrews can be easily rotated like Call Center Agents changing shifts.

For CAS, the problem would be payload. It could probably only carry a rocket pod or two or machine guns (of 7.62 mm caliber at most).

I'm sure you guys would be hoping for an attack version much like "Little Nelly" which 007 used in "You Only Live Twice"

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The thing carries twin MGs, rocketpods, 2 AAMs and even a rear-mounted flame thrower. Yes, there is such a thing that really flies. however, I doubt it can carry real weapons since the stuff strapped on to it are only downscaled props
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JOIN UP!
POWER UP!
DO MORE MORE WITH LESS!
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Zero wing
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Well thats great its all cheap but what about its record of service maybe there more things we should know first but like what i read on our post thanks soldier :salute:
"No sacrifice is too great in the service of freedom."

“As long as we are not willing to provide an adequate, suitable and capable defense for this country, we will be oppressed, demeaned and dishonored. We will be the stepping mat of every country in this region,”(Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile)

“Just because we are a very weak country militarily, we should not be taken advantage of by more powerful countries" (Senate committee on national defense and security chairman Panfilo Lacson)
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