UK Ministry of Defence, The first of four brand-new Sikorsky S92 helicopters, configured entirely for search and rescue (SAR), completed its maiden mission today for Stornoway Coastguard. The helicopter airlifted a 77 year old woman from Kinlochbervie who had been suffering with chest pains and took her to Raigmore Hospital at Inverness. The Coastguard helicopter was used as the doctor advised that she should be taken to hospital as quickly as possible.
Watch Manager Andy Mair said: “This is the first operational tasking the new S92 helicopter has completed for HM Coastguard and it continues the excellent service provided to the Maritime Community and General Public by the Coastguard Rescue helicopters based at Stornoway.”
The new helicopter is being operated on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency 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.
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The new helicopter is being operated on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency by CHC Scotia who won the interim contract to supply aircraft to the MCA from 2007 to 2012.
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The service provides a 24-hour coverage at Stornoway, where the S92 is based. The new helicopter can fly faster and further to those in distress at sea and on the coast. It is fitted with specialised technical equipment including an on board automatic identification system (AIS), specifically designed for search and rescue.
Background Informaton
The aircraft is fitted with two internal auxiliary fuel tanks of 210 gallons each.
Fitted SAR options include:
– an improved AFCS with auto-hover capability,
– Forward looking infra red (FLIR)
– dual rescue hoist,
– full sliding-door
– bubble window,
– cargo hook,
– search-light
– 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.
