Bristow Readies For UK SAR Services With S-92 Helicopters

Sikorsky held a ceremony to recognized Bristow Helicopters Ltd.'s upcoming launch of the U.K. search and rescue (SAR) contract and the company's dedication to SAR over the past 40 years at the 2015 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo show in Florida.

Bristow Helicopters Ltd. was awarded the U.K. SAR contract in March 2013, with services starting on April 1, 2015, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Bristow will operate a fleet of specially commissioned helicopters for the duration of the 10-year contract, which were selected to best meet the SAR requirements of the U.K. The fleet will feature 11 S-92 helicopters that are certified to meet stringent EASA safety requirements. The S-92 helicopters will operate from five bases strategically located near areas of high SAR incident rates in the U.K.

The S-92 aircraft will be outfitted with state-of-the-art technology including:

• High Definition Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) and thermal image camera technology
• Night vision goggle (NVG) technology including glass cockpit
• Equipped with icing protection system
• Air Speed of 145 knots
• Endurance to perform for over four hours without refueling
• Twin hoist
• Comprehensive medical suite

"Sikorsky is honored to have the S-92 helicopter chosen for such a vital mission by one of our longest standing customers, Bristow," said Shane Eddy, President, Sikorsky Commercial Systems & Services. "Search and rescue missions are our passion, our responsibility and our legacy to continually providing innovative solutions for life-saving missions."

"Bristow is honored to be conducting SAR services on behalf of the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency. We have enormous respect for the military and the tremendous job they have done over the past 70 years of U.K. search and rescue. Our goal is to meet and exceed the required high expectations for this vital service, building on the valorous achievements of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force," said Jonathan Baliff, Bristow Group's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that there are opportunities for us to serve others, delivering search and rescue services for other countries partnering with military or other government agencies around the world."

Sikorsky and Bristow have done business for more than 40 years. The Bristow fleet currently features more than 160 Sikorsky aircraft of various types.

(Image provided by Sikorsky)

FMI: www.sikorsky.com, www.bristowgroup.com