Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has credited the deployment of an advanced
utility helicopter with helping protect the largest Islamic pilgrimage ever.

Officials said the Saudi Aviation Security Force has used U.S.-origin
helicopters to maintain order during the Haj, which ended on Nov. 9. They
said the Saudi force deployed the S-92 helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky
Aircraft.

“These helicopters carry out instant missions whenever needed,” Aviation
Security Force commander Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al Harbi said.

Al Harbi said his 300-member unit flew 19 S-92 helicopters during the
latest pilgrimage, attended by a record three million Muslims. He said the
S-92, used for reconnaissance, fire-fighting and search-and-rescue, flew
about 190 hours during the two weeks of the pilgrimage and its preparations.

“There has been an increase in the number of helicopters as well as crew
members in view of a record increase in the number of pilgrims performing
Haj this year,” Al Harbi told the Saudi daily Arab News.

The force has also used another helicopter from Sikorsky Aircraft for
Haj security. Al Harbi identified the rotary-wing platform as the YO-3 quiet
reconnaissance helicopter, equipped with thermal cameras and night vision
systems.

“We have plans to increase the number of helicopters as well as trained
personnel,” Al Harbi said. “We have sent 79 Saudi graduates to the United
States to attend civil aviation courses and undergo pilot training, in
addition to 150 young men to Australia to complete aviation engineering
courses.”

Saudi Arabia has deemed the Haj a success and did not report any major
accidents. Saudi Crown Prince Nayef, who is also the interior minister,
acknowledged that Riyad had been concerned over the prospect of sabotage by
a foreign power, believed to be Iran.

“Some were expected to exploit the international and regional changes
taking place to cause chaos,” Nayef told security commanders. “But thank God
this did not happen.”

  Crown Prince Nayef, Islamic pilgrimage, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al Harbi, S-92 helicopter, U.S.-origin helicopters credited with securing Haj