Bristow unveils aircraft for UK Gap SAR contract
Two of the four Sikorsky S-92 helicopters that Bristow will operate on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) under the UK Gap Search and Rescue (SAR) contract for Northern Scotland have now arrived in Scotland and have begun training flights from Inverness Airport. The interim contract bridges the gap between the end of an MCA contract with CHC and the start of the new deal to replace the SAR helicopters operated by the MCA, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy with a single, privatised fleet.
Two of the four Sikorsky S-92 helicopters that Bristow will operate on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) under the UK Gap Search and Rescue (SAR) contract for Northern Scotland have now arrived in Scotland and have begun training flights from Inverness Airport. The interim contract bridges the gap between the end of an MCA contract with CHC and the start of the new deal to replace the SAR helicopters operated by the MCA, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy with a single, privatised fleet.
The technology featured on the new helicopters includes items that have never before been used in commercial SAR aircraft, said Bristow, and will enable them to provide ‘unprecedented SAR capabilities’. The kit includes night vision goggle technology (NVG) with the latest generation of image intensifier tubes, which require an export licence agreement with the US State Department.
Simon Tye, SAR commercial manager for Bristow, explained: “Our new [civil] S-92 SAR aircraft are the first type in Europe to be certified for NVG technology. The technology is essential when responding to night-time incidents, particularly in Northern Scotland where winter days are short and operations can extend into the hours of darkness."
Detailing the other equipment carried by the aircraft, Tye said: “[They] have improved forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and thermal imaging camera technology for more effective searches, and high illumination lighting to make winching easier and safer. This will be particularly useful when operating in confined spaces or conducting cliff rescues. The long-range fuel tanks will allow us to operate across the vast distances in Scotland we will be servicing.”
The new S-92s are the first aircraft in Europe to be fitted with Trulink wireless capabilities for communications between the aircraft and crew, while the wireless intercom system now allows winchmen to not only communicate with the aircraft, but also to communicate with nearby vessels in the event that they are left behind at the scene, said Bristow. An improved external public address system will allow the SAR crew to communicate more clearly with causalities on the ground.
The medical zone intercom allows the cabin and cockpit to be split into isolated zones, meaning medical teams can work on a patient without the flight crew being distracted. Improved cabin lighting, including emergency white light, will enable advanced medical procedures to be carried out onboard. In addition, the cabins are fitted with 230 V AC power outlets, so that the SAR aircraft can operate advanced medical equipment onboard. A bespoke cabin layout will accommodate more casualties and medical equipment safely.
Bristow will commence operation of the Gap SAR contract from Sumburgh on 1 June and from Stornoway on 1 July. Two S-92s will be stationed at each base. The company began a three-month training program at Inverness Airport on 4 February in preparation for the changeover.