VulcanAir has delivered its first Partenavia P68 Observer 2 to the Italian State Police, around 18 months after the Casoria, Naples-based company acquired fellow Italian company Aerocosmos, former owner of the P68 type certificate.

The Observer 2 piston twin, an upgraded version of the standard Observer model, offers a new glass fibre radome incorporating three diverters for lightning strike protection; weather radar installation; AlliedSignal Bendix/King KFC 150 Autopilot; air conditioning: and "partial modification" of the electrical system

"Other modifications and improvements to the P68 Observer 2 are under way, including a new instrument panel design. The latest generation avionics and automated flight equipment will be installed in future aircraft," says VulcanAir.

The Observer 2 is aimed at government agencies and law enforcement markets, including land and marine patrols, fire and natural disaster monitoring, oilfield surveillance, wildlife and fisheries, and aerial photography.

Source: Flight International