, The first of four brand-new Sikorsky S92 helicopters, configured entirely for search and rescue (SAR), was handed over today to the MCA. The helicopters will be used primarily in the Highlands and Islands.
The handover took place at HeliExpo, the world's largest gathering of helicopter manufacturers, in Orlando, Florida.
The state of the art helicopters will be leased to the MCA by CHC Scotia who won the interim contract to supply aircraft to the MCA from 2007 to 2012.
The interim contract provides for commercial search and rescue helicopter services from four civilian-operated bases – Sumburgh, Stornoway, Lee-on-Solent and Portland – for a five-year period from July 1, 2007.
The service will provide 24-hour coverage at Sumburgh, Stornoway and Lee-on-Solent, and will operate on a 12 hour day-time basis at Portland, in line with current cover.
Two S92s will be based at Stornoway and two at Sumburgh. In addition, two AB139s based at Lee-on-Solent and one at Portland will be deployed early next year.
Richard Parkes, Director of Technical Services who represented the MCA at the signing ceremony today said:
“The MCA are delighted to be able to receive these new Sikorsky aircraft today as part of our strategy of utilising differing aircraft specifically for the varying coastline we enjoy in the United Kingdom. These new aircraft will be able to fly more quickly, and will be able to fly farther to people in distress at sea than those currently in use.
“These new aircraft have been specifically kitted with various items of advanced technical equipment, including an on board automatic identification system (AIS), specifically designed for the challenges of search and rescue in the 21st Century. The S92s are in use on a variety of commercial duties around the world, proving their operational effectiveness and reliability, although this is a world first in being configured entirely for search and rescue.
“We look forward to working with CHC who are fulfilling this key role and taking search and rescue work into a new era, and can bring their wealth of experience of search and rescue and emergency helicopter services in Ireland, Africa, Australia and Norway to the UK.
Background Information
The aircraft are fitted with two internal auxiliary fuel tanks of 210 gallons each. Fitted SAR options include:
1. an improved AFCS with auto-hover capability,
2. Forward looking infra red (FLIR)
3. dual rescue hoist,
4. full sliding-door
5. bubble window,
6. cargo hook,
7. search-light
8. loud hailer.
The cabin can be arranged for installing triple medical litter kit, one or two aux fuel tanks, folding utility seats and ample storage. The designated operator console provides search data including FLIR and enhancing crew coordination on SAR missions.
