New life-saving search and rescue and border protection capabilities – developed by Nova Systems supporting Bristow Group – have begun operating in service as part of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.

Nova Systems’ next-generation mission system solution has been successfully tested, delivered and accepted into service for two AW139 law enforcement and search and rescue (SAR) helicopters operated by Bristow Netherlands B.V. for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.

Nova Systems was contracted by Bristow to provide an advanced and bespoke mission system for the two helicopters, which would expand the lifesaving, airborne law enforcement and border protection capabilities of the Coast Guard.

Working closely with Bristow, Nova Systems developed a solution incorporating leading-edge technologies and operator interfaces that lay a foundation for Bristow’s future vision for coast guard and SAR operations.

Nova Systems International Managing Director, Gareth Dyer, said the bespoke mission system architecture designed by Nova Systems provides the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard with the most advanced tools to deliver maritime safety and border security and combat illegal activity.

“Our collaboration with Bristow sets the standard for future law enforcement and search and rescue operations, while retaining the agility to evolve continuously in response to technological changes or new requirements,” Mr Dyer said.

“With a full suite of tactical communication and leading-edge surveillance and detection technologies – supported by Nova Systems led certification and training – our mission system provides Bristow with an enhanced ability to perform the coast guard and search and rescue mission more effectively.

“We have an important and growing role to play in supporting the parapublic market across the Atlantic and in Europe through our modification capability and Special Mission aircraft focus.”

To deliver on this complex contract, Nova Systems leveraged the technical and engineering expertise of its design, systems integration and production capabilities based in the UK, supported by a global network of technology partners and suppliers. Nova also provided on-the-ground support to the Bristow installation team in Lafayette, USA.

Nova Systems’ personnel, including a dedicated Flight Test crew, conducted ground and flight testing to verify the safety and airworthiness of the Mission System solution, and ensure the operational requirements were delivered.

“Our Special Mission Aircraft Solution provides Bristow with a common mission system architecture that enables similar capabilities throughout its fleet of search and rescue helicopters. This simplifies training and availability of this vital mission capability fleetwide,” Mr Dyer said.

“We look forward to continuing to support the mission system through the operating life of the contract via an innovative technical through life support agreement, along with other critical search and rescue contracts currently being delivered in the United Kingdom and Ireland.”