First SAR Application For Helicopter

Helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky has signed a five-year contract to provide four S-92 helicopters (file photo of type, right) to CHC Helicopter Corporation, to perform commercial search-and-rescue missions for the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency, beginning in 2007.

Each helicopter will be equipped with the Rotor Ice Protection System, allowing flight into known icing (FIKI) conditions and all-weather operations -- just the thing for search-and-rescue ops, which are seldom undertaken under blue skies and sunshine. The arrangement marks the first SAR application for the S-92.

"The S-92's modern technology, performance, and industry-leading safety standards make it superbly equipped for SAR," said Jeffrey Pino, Sikorsky's senior vice president for corporate strategy, marketing, and commercial programs. "Sikorsky helicopters have been saving lives for more than 60 years. We are proud that CHC has selected the S-92 to build upon this legacy."

The S-92 is the first helicopter in the world certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency/ Joint Aviation Authorities (EASA/JAA) to the latest and most rigorous safety standards. The S-92 was also the first helicopter certified by the FAA to FAR Part 29 Transport Rotorcraft, Amendment 47 -- the latest US safety regulations, which mirror the European standards.

Under the terms of the arrangement, CHC will operate the helicopters 24/7 from coastal bases in Sumburgh, and Stornoway.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com, www.mcga.gov.uk