S-92s to replace UK military SAR Sea Kings...

[Stratofreighter]

Yes, yet another "Private Finance Initiative"...
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... -s-92.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Team Soteria wins UK's SAR-H deal with proven S-92
By Craig Hoyle

Team members CHC and Thales UK, plus equity partner RBS, are celebrating the Soteria consortium's victory in the UK's SAR-H search and rescue helicopter competition.

Offering the Sikorsky S-92, Soteria was today confirmed as preferred bidder for the SAR-H requirement, which will replace search and rescue assets for both the UK Ministry of Defence and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Around 24 aircraft are likely to be acquired under the deal.

The service is expected to come into phased use from 2012, with "a proportion of military aircrew working alongside civilian aircrew trained to the same high standards". The balance is expected to include 66 crew from the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, representing 25% of the total manpower.

The maritime agency's four operating bases will be the first to receive the new aircraft, followed by eight military sites now equipped with Westland Sea Kings flown by the RAF and RN. The S-92 is 30% quicker than the aged type, the MoD says, and will be equipped with forward-looking infrared sensors and night vision goggle-compatible cockpits.

The selection comes as a blow to the members of the rival AirKnight consortium: British International Helicopters, Lockheed Martin and VT. The team had offered to deliver the SAR-H service using Eurocopter EC225s.

[ehusmann]

At least it will bring us a new helicopter type into military service in Europe, enough Pumas (and derivitives) flying around already.

Erwin

[ebauer]

At least it will bring us a new helicopter type into military service in Europe, enough Pumas (and derivitives) flying around already.

Erwin

To give an impression for those who are not familiar with an S-92

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled-(Sikorsky-Aircraft/Sikorsky-S-92A-Helibus/1632102/M/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Weasel21]

Here an extra portion of text. Probably the words military can be left out for good?

Search and rescue helicopter operations in Cornwall will be carried out by a
private company from 2012.
The new service which has long been expected, means the end of the search
and rescue services run by the Royal Navy at Culdrose for many years, and
which has become world famous as well as very much part of the Helston area.
The change will upset many people, but it is hoped the decision, given to
local MP Andrew George and announced today will receive solid support.
The new service will operate out of the Royal Navy Air Station at Culdrose.
The company to be awarded the contract is Soteria, a consortium made up of
Canadians and others.
It will use two new Sikosky S92 helicopters which will have longer range
than the military version, the Sea King currently operated by 771 naval air
squadron, and will be operational round the clock.
The contract, which involves other rescue stations including Chivenor, that
will be operation 12 hours a day, will cost £6 billion over a 25-year
contract.
Mr George said yesterday he was pleased overall as there were “plusses” with
the contract although a couple of “downsides”.
“The aircraft are bigger and have bigger clearances. They will be faster and
will have special ramps improving the transfer of patients,” he said.
They would also have more night vision capabilities.
He said the contract would be phased in from 2012. He was concerned that the
livery of the air sea rescue helicopters to be used would be different from
what is used now. They were private aircraft and would not be in MoD
colours. About 25 per cent of the crew including pilots are expected to be
serving military personnel.
Soteria said it would replace the current SAR helicopter service with a
bespoke capability. It will ensure that military aircrew will develop their
SAR skills and experience that will be transferred back to the expeditionary
forces.
The Soteria Consortium consists of: CHC, supplier of civilan helicopter
services and the current provider of the MCA Interim SAR Service. Royal
bajnk of Scotland, Thales UK and Sikorsky.
David Rae, Soteria Bid Director said: “SAR-H is a very important programme
for the UK and this decision is a strong vote of confidence in Soteria and
our ability to provide this vital public service.”

[Maurice]

At least it will bring us a new helicopter type into military service in Europe, enough Pumas (and derivitives) flying around already.

Erwin

Correct me if I am wrong but I don't have the impression these will go into military service. It seems to me that they will be operated by a civil company.

Maurice.

[ehusmann]

Could be, it does seem a little more civil than the other contracts closed so far (tankers to name one).
Let me refrase then, a new civil type next to the many Pumas flying around already.

Erwin

[Pete]

The s-92 type is not new in europe as it is operated by several offshore helicopter operators in europe like CHC and Norsk helicopters.

Regards Pete