Surveillance Aircraft
The surveillance aircraft are fitted with the latest maritime surveillance system developed by Atlantic Reconnaissance. The system is capable of the detection and evaluation of pollution on the sea both day and night, in all weathers.
The main components are a Sideways Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) for large area, long range detection (20 miles for sea surface and 40 miles for detection on shipping patrol), an Ultra Violet (UV) sensor for accurate area measurement and Thermal Infra Red (IR) sensor for relative oil thickness measurement. There is also a Night Identification System, which enables the name and port of registration of any vessel to be taken in darkness.
Digital video and still cameras provide the photographic evidence required for successful prosecutions of illegal polluters. The whole system is fully integrated with data being fed from the navigation and flight systems. The normal aircraft communications system is supplemented by marine band and HF radios. Data, pictures and information can be sent directly to ground stations using the Data Transfer System.