THE war on crime is being waged high above Bolton.
Greater Manchester Police has taken delivery of a £2.6 million BN 4000 Defender fixed-wing aircraft. It will be stationed at Manchester Airport and will be used by the force alongside its helicopter.
Chief Insp Peter Keown, of the force Air Support Unit, said: "With the ability to fly for longer, carry heavier loads and cover greater distances, the BN Defender is a major asset in the fight against crime."
It has been built on the Isle of Wight and is powered by two Rolls Royce gas turbine engines with a top speed of 195 mph.
When it was proposed last year, Cllr Paul Murphy, a member of the Greater Manchester Police Authority said the cash spent on the aircraft, could have been better spent on recruiting more front-line officers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article