Air International 2020-02
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I.Bozinovski - Police Hawks at 50 /Parapublic Helicopters/
Nicknamed 'Komarec' ('Mosquito') in contrast with the larger AB212, Macedonian Police AB206B MAP-7750 was purchased as an attrition replacement after the loss of the initial AB206A - the police's first helicopter - in autumn 1972. The low-skid JetRanger II (c/n 8365) was manufactured by Agusta and joined the Yugoslav civil aviation register as YU-HBD on September 1,1973.
Macedonian Police Bell 412EP MAP-7752 and AB206B MAP-7750. While the need for an expensive engine overhaul and the decision to appoint a private company for SAR/HEMS missions puts the future of the Bell 412EP at risk, the veteran AB206B departed for Patria Helicopters in Sweden last December for a scheduled inspection.
Purchased new, Bell Model 212 c/n 30884) entered the Yugoslav civil aviation register as YU-HPB in October 1978 and continues to serve the Macedonian Police as MAP-7751.
Macedonian Police Mi-171 MAP-7710 during the Autumn Storm 2018 military/police exercise. The Mi-171s are combat-capable and a first firing of the Elbit STAR guided rocket occurred in the first half of 2013.
The ANVIS-HUD helmet system displayed in front of Macedonian Police Mi-171 MAP-7711. Between 2012 and 2014, all four police 'Hips' underwent the two-stage 'Balkan' upgrade that provided them with NVG-compatible cockpits.
Responsible for the force's first operational deployment outside national borders, Mi-17V-5 MAP-7714 was deployed to neighbouring Serbia between May 18-23, 2014, to support disaster-relief operations after catastrophic floods.
Macedonian Police Mi-171 serial 710 (c/n 171E00067842806U) was one of two Mi-171s built in November 2007 and supplied in the colours of their planned customer, the Iraqi Air Force. Serial 710 now serves as MAP-7710.
Macedonian Police personnel take part in helicopter emergency medical services training using Bell 412EP MAP-7752. This aircraft (c/n 36260, ex-N9026S) was built in June 2000 and delivered the same year.
During the 2001 conflict, Macedonian Police Bell 412EP Z3-HHC adopted a two-tone camouflage. The rebels failed to recognise the helicopter and never targeted it, even during low-level missions over their strongholds.