From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report. Security company Protea COIN’s helicopter is now operating with a forward-looking infrared system fitted by local company Challenge Air. Keith Campbell reports.

Keith Campbell:
Making a modification to any aircraft – in this case, fitting a forward looking infrared, or Flir, system to a Robinson R44 helicopter – is not simple. It requires the close involvement of aviation regulators, in this case the South African Civil Aviation Authority or SACAA. Challenge Air Principal Engineer: Structures, Kavita Vanmari, discusses the project.

Challenge Air Principal Engineer: Structures, Kavita Vanmari

Keith Campbell:
The modified helicopter is operated by the Protea COIN security company. Chief Pilot George Tonking explains what they use the Flir-equipped helicopter for.

Protea Coin Chief Pilot George Tonking

Shannon de Ryhove:
Other news making headlines this week: Al Gore launches his African climate change programme; Eskom is in talks with miners in a bid to replenish dry, coarse coal stocks; and Zambia expands its energy capacity.

Former US Vice-President and climate change lobbyist Al Gore has launched the African branch of the Climate Reality Project, which aims to mobilise individuals and organisations to implement climate change mitigation measures and “spread the truth” of climate change to communities on the continent.

Former US Vice-President Al Gore

Electricity utility Eskom and the Chamber of Mines are in talks about urgently replenishing stockpiles of coarse coal at its power stations, as these stocks have been depleted over the past two weeks as much of the country has experienced a protracted period of wet weather.

Eskom CEO Brian Dames

State-owned Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation aims to export its 200 to 300 MW surplus energy after an ambitious $5-billion generation and transmission expansion brought its capacity to over 2 200 MW.

Zesco transmission development director Christopher Mubemba

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.