Angolan Air Force operating Kodiak aircraft

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Angola’s Air Force is receiving Daher Kodiak 100 aircraft, which it will operate on behalf of the recently formed Centre for Public Security.

A Kodiak in Forca Area Nacional de Angola (FANA, National Air Force of Angola) markings was seen at Monchengladbach Airport in Germany on 23 June ahead of delivery. The aircraft had the temporary German civil register D-FSST as well as CISP markings.

The CISP (Centro Integrado de Segurança Publica, Centre for Public Security) was opened by Angolan president Joao Lourenco in December 2019. It was set up to respond to public security matters and disasters and coordinate responses between police and security agencies across the country.

The CISP project saw more than 700 security cameras installed in the capital Luanda, which is home to the central unit, although 16 provincial centres are being built. The central node incorporates a video surveillance room, dispatch service room, rapid response command centre, laboratory and other infrastructure. It was funded through a Chinese line of credit, Angop reported.

The publication added that “to ensure the stable and effective functioning of the integrated public safety system, border patrol aircraft, command and communication vehicles were purchased.”

It is not clear how many Kodiak aircraft have been acquired by Angola.

The FANA Kodiak seen (serial 100-0252) in Germany in June was exported from the United States in 2018. It was photographed at Bonn Hangelar in October 2019 wearing private colours and at the time was operated by SST Flugtechnik, which Air Forces Monthly reports provided a cartography mission system for the aircraft. Rheinland Air Service was tasked with converting the aircraft for mapping duties. The mission system includes a stabilised cartography scanner and an automatic sliding door in the bottom of the fuselage.

SST Flugtechnik says it provides aircraft modifications design solutions for special mission, aerial mapping, aerial photography, avionics and specific applications.

According to Daher (previously Quest), the Kodiak has a maximum takeoff weight of 3 290 kg and useful load of 1 603 kg. Cruise speed is 339 km/h and range 1 861 km. The aircraft is powered by a 750 hp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprop engine. The ten place aircraft was designed for short takeoff and landing and float operations, which its manufacturer says makes it ideal for use in Africa.

Other countries in Africa use the Kodiak for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, including Botswana, which received a Kodiak in 2016 for anti-poaching activities. The aircraft is operated by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.