VCAT Unit

VCAT NPC/NPO 

The Violent Crimes & Technology Unit (VCAT) focuses on high priority crimes such as murder, rape and other serious and violent crimes. VCAT offers support in securing crime scenes, witnesses, victim support, and assisting the SAPS with both overt and covert investigations when requested. 

VCAT responds to and supports the investigation of incidents such as business robbery, house robbery, car/truck-jacking, etc. which are inclusive of associated crimes such as murder and rape. 

Our goal, and the success of the VCAT unit can be measured by three elements: arrests, convictions in court and the reduction of crime in VCAT operational areas. This is to be achieved through training, protocols, specialised community policing projects and response, surveillance and holistic crime prevention measures. 

 

VCAT AIR SUPPORT 

TrackBox Technologies in partnership with Starlite Aviation has launched an air support division under the VCAT (Violent Crimes & Technology) NPO which will be made available to play a vital role in the support of violent, high level crime investigation and emergency rescue, such as:  

  • Emergency Rescue
  • Serious and Violent Crimes
  • Hijackings and Heists
  • Armed Home & Business Robberies
  • Vehicle Accidents
  • Abductions

HELICOPTERS ON CALL 

V-CAT BELL 407 – The Bell 407 is used for support and transport of role-players in the investigation of high level crime to ensure fast response to crime scenes, medical support in emergency rescue and violent crime support.   

 

General characteristics

  • Crew: one pilot
  • Capacity: Typical seating configuration for seven comprising pilot and passengers, with five passengers in main cabin. Max hook capacity 1200 kg (2645 lb).
  • Length: 41 ft 8 in (12.7 m)
  • Rotor diameter: 35 ft 0 in (10.67 m)
  • Height: 11 ft 8 in (3.56 m)
  • Disc area: 962 ft² (89 m²)
  • Empty weight: 2,668 lb (1,210 kg)
  • Useful load: 2,347 lb (1,065 kg internal)
  • Max. take-off weight: 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Allison 250-C47B turboshaft, 813 shp (606 kW)

 

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 140 knots (161 mph/260 kph)
  • Cruise speed: 133 knots (152 mph/246 kph)
  • Range: 324 NM (372 mi/598 km)
  • Service ceiling: 18,690 ft (5,698 m)

 

V-CAT-7 ROBINSON R66 – The Robinson R66 (VCAT-7) is predominantly used for anti-poaching and surveillance as well as medical emergency rescue night flying, and is equipped with the most advanced avionics and electronic night vision goggles available (NVG) and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) equipment. 

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 4 passengers or 1,200 lb (540 kg) external load
  • Length: 29 ft 6 in (8.99 m)
  • Width: 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m)
  • Height: 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m)
  • Empty weight: 1,290 lb (585 kg)
  • Gross weight: 2,700 lb (1,225 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 73.6 US gallons (279 l)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft, 224 shp (167 kW) continuous, 270 shp (200 kW) take-off (5 minutes)
  • Main rotor diameter: 33 ft (10 m)
  • Tail rotor Diameter: 5 ft (1.52 m)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 110 knots (127 mph; 204 kph)
  • Range: 350 NM (403 mi/648 km)
  • Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,300 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)
  • Fuel Consumption: 23 US gallons (87 l) per hour