18-Jan-2016Source: Airbus
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces assigned their three new AS365 N3+ helicopters to the 24/7 SAR mission service. Only two years after ordering the helicopters, Lithuanian Armed Forces are now ready to ensure SAR 24/7 service with their AS365 N3+. Following the first two deliveries in June and September 2015,... Read more
12-Jan-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Following the announcement in December 2012 of this order by the then-Eurocopter, HeliHub.com can confirm that the Finnish Border Forces have accepted two new AS332L1e helicopters in a ceremony on 21st December at Marignane, France. Registered OH-HVP and HVQ, the helicopter are scheduled to remain in France for crew training, with in-country arrivals scheduled for... Read more
8-Jan-2016Source: Irish Coast Guard
During last night the Coast Guard’s Rescue 115 and Rescue 118 completed two helicopter missions which bringing the total number of completed helicopter missions to 1,000 in a single year; the first time since the Coast Guard’s helicopter service commenced in 1991. Many of the services were carried out in challenging weather conditions, at night... Read more
17-Dec-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid a visit to Air Force’s Bangabandhu Base in Dhaka in Dhaka on Sunday 6th December to induct two new aircraft types. Aside from the Yak-140 jet trainer (they have 24 on order), the more important part of the day was to launch the AW139 into military service in this... Read more
16-Dec-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow Helicopters is all set for the opening of two more UK SAR bases, with the second Sikorsky S92 arriving at Prestwick on Sunday. This means that both Newquay and Prestwick have their compliment of aircraft – two S92s each at the present time – in preparation for live operations. The Sikorsky S92s at Prestwick... Read more
25-Nov-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The first of two AW139s announced by AgustaWestland in June 2015 as sold to Atlantic Airways has been seen on flight test in Italy. In our photo here by Marco Bianchi, the first example is seen with double hoist mounted to starboard. In their press release, AgustaWestland stated that the aircraft will be used to... Read more
24-Nov-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Local press has confirmed the arrival of the second Sikorsky S92 at Newquay, ready for the new SAR base to open under the operation of Bristow Helicopters. As the UK SAR provision transitions from a mixture of civil and military over to a single dedicated civil contract, so Bristow is opening up bases over a... Read more
18-Nov-2015Source: FlightSafety
FlightSafety announces that it now offers a new comprehensive Search and Rescue training course for pilots who fly the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. It is available at FlightSafety’s Learning Centers in West Palm Beach, Florida and at the Farnborough airport in the United Kingdom. “Pilots who fly the Sikorsky S-92 will benefit from FlightSafety’s new scenario-based,... Read more
16-Nov-2015Source: Alpine Aerotech
Alpine Aerotech proudly introduces the new Cabin and Cargo Floor Protection Kits for the Bell 429 Aircraft, constructed from high-quality impact, wear and heat resistant material to protect the cabin and cargo floor from damage. Cabin and Cargo Floor Protection Kits for the Bell 429 Aircraft are very light, easy to install and maintain. The... Read more
15-Nov-2015
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is working with AgustaWestland to design, develop and produce Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems to protect AW189 helicopter engines and auxiliary power units (APUs) from dirt, dust, salt and foreign objects. EASA certification is expected in spring 2016, and will keep contamination from degrading the performance and reliability of its two,... Read more
11-Nov-2015Source: Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has closed its acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft, a world leader in military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft. Aligned under the Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training (MST) business segment, Sikorsky Aircraft is now known as Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. “Today we are proud to welcome the Sikorsky team to Lockheed Martin,”... Read more
11-Nov-2015Source: AgustaWestland
The Joint Aviation Command (JAC) of the United Arab Emirates announced today it has selected the AW609 TiltRotor for search and rescue (SAR) missions. Delivery of the first three AW609 TiltRotors to the JAC, with three additional options,is expected to start in the 2019 timeframe. The Joint Aviation Command will be the launch customer for... Read more
9-Nov-2015Source: Bristow
Bristow winchman Duncan Tripp has been recognized as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his service to the Royal Air Force (RAF). Tripp served as winchman paramedic based at RAF Lossiemouth with 202 Squadron for 18 years before transitioning to Bristow’s UK SAR base at Inverness in April... Read more
6-Nov-2015Source: Bristow
The first of two state of the art Sikorsky S-92 search and rescue helicopters has arrived at the new HM Coastguard base at Prestwick Airport, ready to begin operations in January 2016. The aircraft and the base are operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd on behalf of HM Coastguard after the company was awarded the ten... Read more
28-Oct-2015
The first of two AgustaWestland AW189s for Search and Rescue work off the Falkland Islands has started test flying in full colours, as seen below in this photo by Marco Bianchi. The aircraft will be operational under a new ten year contract starting April 2016. When AAR announced the contract win, the value was quoted... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: CBC
Cougar Helicopters, the company that brings workers back and forth to offshore oil facilities, is showing off its latest search and rescue suits. See Full Story... Read more
22-Oct-2015Source: Bristow
The first of two state-of-the-art Sikorsky S-92 search and rescue helicopters has arrived at the new HM Coastguard base at Newquay Airport, ready to begin operations in January 2016. The aircraft and the base are operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd on behalf of HM Coastguard after the company was awarded the ten year UK SAR... Read more
21-Oct-2015Source: All Metal MS
All Metal MS, a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of solution driven custom “Safety First” aircraft maintenance stands, fall protection platforms, hangar equipment, portable field equipment, and specialty tooling is excited to announce that it delivered a customized line of solution driven MH-60 Jayhawk maintenance stands and hangar equipment to the United... Read more
16-Oct-2015Source: Port Metro Vancouver
Port Metro Vancouver has donated a specialized infrared camera to North Shore Rescue. When required by North Shore Rescue the camera will be mounted to a helicopter and used as a tool to help locate missing people in challenging terrain. The camera, a SeaFlir II-C stabilized imaging system, utilizes FLIR (forward looking infrared radiometer) technology... Read more
16-Oct-2015Source: Bristow
The launch of the St Athan civilian UK search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service was marked today (Thursday 15 October) in a ceremony held at the new SAR base at St Athan airfield. Bristow Helicopters Ltd is operating the search and rescue helicopter service for the UK on behalf of HM Coastguard. The UK limited... Read more
12-Oct-2015Source: Kentnews
Search and rescue group Bristow, which has recently opened a base at Lydd, says its first six months of operation have been busy. See Full Story... Read more
4-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The Royal Air Force bowed out from it’s Search And Rescue role in the UK on Sunday 4th October, as the last base stood down – RAF Chivenor, it confirmed on Twitter. Although planned for 30 September, a last minute hitch meant that Bristow Helicopters were not able to start operations until Sunday, with their... Read more
1-Oct-2015Source: RA Aviation
RA-Aviation, a global player in the design, engineering and manufacturing of high quality safe maintenance stands, assembly/production line platforms ground support equipment announced today the release of Rescue Hoist Cable Wash Trolley. (Part# RA-GSE-2071-0-RHC) Oyvind Mork, Managing Director, is pleased with the continued success in developing products in co-operation with our customers regarding planning, design... Read more
1-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
RAF Boulmer, a long-established SAR base in the north-east of the UK, has closed that role as the SAR responsibility for the UK is gradually handed over to Bristow Helicopters. As part of the phased plan to retire Royal Navy and Royal Air Force helicopters, 202 Squadron retired its two yellow Sea Kings with a... Read more
29-Sep-2015Source: Sikorsky
The China Ministry of Transport (MOT) today accepted delivery of its final two S-76D™ helicopters in a ceremony at Sikorsky Aircraft’s commercial helicopter center. The MOT’s helicopter fleet, which is the foundation of China’s airborne search and rescue (SAR) maritime operations, now totals 16 S-76® helicopters, eight of which are S-76D aircraft. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.... Read more
29-Sep-2015Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland announced today that the Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) for the AW189 super medium twin engine helicopter has received EASA certification. The LIPS system will allow the AW189 to further enhance its all-weather capabilities, continuing the process to make the all-new super medium class helicopter suitable to operate in the most adverse and harsh... Read more
23-Sep-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow Helicopters in the UK continues to experience delays with the introduction of the AgustaWestland AW189, and has no plans to operate the type on the national Maritime and Coast Guard Agency contract until all of its issues are sorted. The contractual requirement is for 20 helicopters, two at each of ten bases, and the... Read more
14-Sep-2015Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today at the China Helicopter Exposition that it has delivered six S-76D helicopters to the China Ministry of Transport (MOT) for Search and Rescue Operations (SAR), further enhancing the MOT’s maritime capabilities. The MOT’s S-76D helicopter fleet is on track to include a total of eight S-76D aircraft by the end... Read more
11-Sep-2015Source: BBC News
The last Sea King search and rescue (SAR) helicopter has left RAF Valley on Anglesey marking the end of an era. See Full Story... Read more
8-Sep-2015Source: Airbus
Hong Kong-based Government Flying Services (GFS) has ordered seven Airbus Helicopters H175s, becoming the world’s launching customer for this new-generation super-medium-sized rotorcraft in the public services configuration. GFS is a department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with the main responsibility of providing 24-hour emergency support services. It is an established operator of Airbus... Read more
7-Sep-2015Source: Daily Post
A search and rescue base tackled 100 call outs in its first two months of operation. See Full Story... Read more
14-Aug-2015Source: Kent Online
A new Kent search and rescue base is set to leap into action tomorrow. See Full Story... Read more
10-Aug-2015Source: Bristow Group
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS) today reported a net loss for the June 2015 quarter of $3.3 million, or $0.27 per diluted share on a GAAP basis, compared to net income of $44.1 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, in the same period in the prior year. Adjusted net income, which excludes special items and asset disposition effects, decreased 58% to $19.8 million, or $0.56 per diluted... Read more
6-Aug-2015Source: Bristow
Bristow search and rescue (SAR) framework was recognized as the Green Champion for Scotland in the 2015 Green Apple Awards. The award provides recognition for framework in which sustainability has played a key role and associated objectives have been exceeded. Balfour Beatty led the £40 million construction framework of seven new SAR facilities and refurbishment... Read more
28-Jul-2015
Russian pilot Sergey Ananov was most of the way to completing a solo circumnavigation in a Robinson R22. He had refuelled in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and was on a 500 mile leg to Nuuk in Greenland when contact was lost. He was reported overdue at 3.20pm Eastern time on Saturday 25th July. Weather conditions were hazardous... Read more
22-Jul-2015Source: Era
Era Group Inc. (NYSE: ERA) (“Era”), a leading helicopter transport operator based in the United States, today announced participation in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Technology Evaluation 2015 Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX 2015) on Alaska’s North Slope. SAREX 2015 was designed to identify the benefits to search and rescue (SAR) missions brought forth by... Read more
7-Jul-2015Source: AgustaWestland
On 18th June, HeliHub.com ran the story Guardia Costiera increases AW139 fleet On 6th July, AgustaWestland issued the following press release AgustaWestland announced today a major milestone in the modernization of the Italian Coast Guard’s helicopter fleet, with the delivery of three further AW139 intermediate twin aircraft and an order for two more aircraft. The... Read more
1-Jul-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow Helicopters has moved to the next phase of the UK SAR contract, with operations starting today from Caernarfon and Lydd. Caernarfon sees two Sikorsky S92s – G-MCGJ and G-MCGK – and a new hangar built by Balfour Beatty added to the privatised SAR service today. The base is in the north of Wales, and... Read more
25-Jun-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Following AgustaWestland’s announcement in July 2014, HeliHub.com can confirm that the two AW139s due to be delivered to the Bangladesh Air Force are now being test flown at the factory prior to delivery. The two are serialled 613 and 616, and are currently flying on Italian permit registrations I-EASS and I-PTFR respectively. As is the... Read more
24-Jun-2015Source: Bristow
Need to know the exact location of your inbound AW189 to Galliano to make the next crew change as efficient as possible? Bristow has you covered by rolling out its most sophisticated tracking system yet to provide real-time aircraft visibility. With the introduction of web-based eFlight Global Tracking (GT), both Bristow and its clients can... Read more
23-Jun-2015Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland announced today that Atlantic Airways has signed a contract for two AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The aircraft will be used to perform SAR (Search and Rescue) missionsand scheduled passenger transportation within the Faroe Islands. The helicopters are expected to bedelivered late 2015 and in spring 2016 respectively, and will replace two B412s. This latest... Read more
23-Jun-2015Source: Bristow
If you’ve been in business for 60 years, you have some stories to tell. With a series of articles, interviews and visuals, Bristow is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a look back on the historic events that helped create one of the world’s largest civilian helicopter companies. 1) Alan Bristow formed Bristow Helicopters in 1955... Read more
23-Jun-2015Source: The Local
The move followed an investigation by Swedish public broadcaster SVT’s programme Uppdrag Granskning earlier this year, which revealed that the deal between the state-run maritime administration and AgustaWestland, an Anglo-Italian manufacturing company, had been set up using private Hotmail accounts. See Full Story... Read more
18-Jun-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Italy’s Guardia Costiera (Coast Guard) are in the process of expanding their fleet of AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters, replacing older Agusta-built Bell 412s. Two AW139s were delivered recently and Robert Swan from Freelance Aerospace Writers alerted us to the pair test flying from Sarzana using callsigns “Nemo 5” and “Nemo 6”. Four more are due, two... Read more
17-Jun-2015Source: Schiebel
Schiebel´s CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) has in a series of flights between 2 and 12 June 2015 successfully demonstrated its multi- sensor capability to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and other Australian Government Departments. The demanding trials took place near Nowra, on the South East Coast of Australia, and encompassed multiple scenarios, performed... Read more
16-Jun-2015Source: Sikorsky
Today, 16th June, Sikorsky have put out the press release below. It is worth noting that HeliHub.com reported these details on 20th May, almost four weeks ago – see here Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has fulfilled its contract to deliver seven S-92® helicopters to Bristow Helicopters Ltd. for UK Search and Rescue. There are now... Read more
16-Jun-2015Source: Airbus
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has ordered two AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters to boost the search and rescue (SAR) capabilities of Indonesia. Airbus Helicopters will deliver these twin-engine rotorcraft to PTDI within one year. These helicopters will be reassembled, tested, qualified, completed and customized by PTDI with mission equipment including hoists, flotation systems, direction finder, an... Read more
10-Jun-2015Source: OttawaCitizen
Lost hikers or stranded fishermen could find themselves being rescued by helicopters once designed to transport U.S. presidents. See full story.... Read more
9-Jun-2015Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland has now delivered all seven AW139s to Sweden for their Search and Rescue system, with the last one arriving late May 2015. The Swedish Maritime Administration, the authority responsible for Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services in Sweden, is operating the AW139 helicopters from five bases across the country. HeliHub.com announced the delivery... Read more
5-Jun-2015Source: BBC News
A bid to retain a retired RAF Sea King helicopter in Moray to be exhibited has been successful. See Full Story... Read more
4-Jun-2015Source: The Baltic Course
On 2 June 2015, the Eurocopter AS365N3+ Dauphin, the new helicopter of the Lithuanian Air Force landed at Siauliai Airbase. See Full Story... Read more
3-Jun-2015Source: AV Group
UK SAR provider Bristow Helicopters have entered into a substantial agreement with AV Group for a series of steel modular buildings that will provide exclusive accommodation and welfare facilities for its new helicopter search and rescue (SAR) team, operating out of Lydd Airport in Kent. The SAR operation due to launch in July 2015 from... Read more
27-May-2015Source: SkyTrac
SkyTrac Systems, the world’s premier provider of flight data monitoring, business data, and fleet situational awareness solutions has chosen Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp (AEM) as their primary repair facility. With AEM’s proven track record of excellent customer support and extensive experience in the aviation industry, it was a perfect fit for this partnership. “We’re pleased... Read more
22-May-2015Source: Bristow
A traditional topping off ceremony took place yesterday (Tuesday, 19 May 2015) to mark the ongoing construction of the new search and rescue (SAR) helicopter base at Newquay Cornwall Airport. The base will house two Sikorsky S92 helicopters operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd, who are taking over delivery of helicopter SAR services throughout the UK... Read more
20-May-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Yesterday saw the Bristow UK SAR fleet of Sikorsky S92s reach the expected compliment of 11 – filling the plans for two allocated to each of five bases, and a further aircraft as a maintenance spare. The eleventh aircraft G-MCGK was ferried Tuesday afternoon and evening from Southampton Docks via fuel stops at Southampton and... Read more
19-May-2015Source: grough
Members of a Snowdonia mountain rescue team shared a formal dinner with RAF colleagues – on top of a 3,000ft peak. See Full Story... Read more
19-May-2015Source: Telephonics
Telephonics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF), announced today that its AN/APS-147 maritime surveillance radar system was instrumental in assisting U.S. Navy crews during a search and rescue mission. After receiving notification from the USS New York (LPD-21) of a man overboard, the Navy deployed an MH-60R, with a flight crew from... Read more
18-May-2015Source: Bristow
Airbox, the specialist navigation and mission system developer, has today confirmed that Bristow Helicopters Limited is to use Airbox PANDA to support its UK SAR operations and Gap SAR bases in Sumburgh and Stornoway. The company will provide its mission visualisation platform to all of Bristow Helicopter’s SAR aircraft and bases enabling efficient and safe... Read more
8-May-2015Source: AXALTA
Axalta Coating Systems, a leading, global manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings, is privileged to have its Imron® Aviation coatings used to repaint a refurbished helicopter for Sikorsky Helitech in Australia. Sikorsky Helitech is the world leader in the design, manufacture and service of military and commercial helicopters. The model S-92 helicopter, originally intended for... Read more
8-May-2015Source: Bristow
The Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy will be presented at the Air League’s Annual Awards Ceremony at St James Palace, on Tuesday 05th May 2015 by HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. Sponsored by Bristow Helicopters Ltd and Breitling UK, the Trophy has been established to further the memory of Mr Billy Deacon who was... Read more
30-Apr-2015Source: entrol
The entrol H21 simulator, based on the Bell 412, has been certified as FNPT II MCC by ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority). Thanks to this entrol has expanded its portfolio of simulators by adding one of the most famous helicopters in the world. The entrol H21, purchased by Heli Protection, recreates in detail the Bell... Read more
27-Apr-2015Source: CHC
Shell Australia has launched a dedicated search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service with operator CHC Helicopter to support the offshore oil and gas industry in the Kimberley – the first of its kind in Australia. The EC225 SAR helicopter is based at the Broome International Airport and is operated by CHC. It is supported by... Read more
17-Apr-2015Source: Bristow
Bristow Group today announced that Carl Dixon has joined Bristow as Director, Government Portfolio. Dixon will lead Bristow’s activity to build its global search and rescue (SAR) business, engaging with governments and public sector institutions around the world. Dixon has a military background; as Air-Vice Marshal, he served as Commander of the UK Joint Helicopter... Read more
14-Apr-2015Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland North America, along with Bristow Group, Doss Aviation and Rockwell Collins, announced today that they are in discussions to develop a turn-key solution to address the rotary-wing pilot training needs of U.S. military and government customers. The solution would provide for total life-cycle support and management, centered around the U.S.-built AW119 helicopter, the best-in-class... Read more
13-Apr-2015Source: Daily Mail
A helicopter hero travelled 23,000 miles to find every chopper he had ever flown – only to find one had been converted into a posh camping facility. See Full Story... Read more
8-Apr-2015Source: Heli-One
Customers flying commercial and governmental helicopters in the Republic of Korea now have access to extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service capabilities from Heli-One’s operations in Canada. Heli-One Boundary Bay has earned certification for aircraft maintenance operations (AMO) from the Korean Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA), joining the company’s base in Stavanger, Norway, in... Read more
1-Apr-2015Source: Oil & Gas UK
North Sea oil and gas operators have committed to fund a search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service, supplementing national SAR cover for parts of the Central North Sea. The service will be operated by Bond Offshore Helicopters and will ensure existing rescue and recovery standards are maintained. The launch of a new UK-wide search and... Read more
30-Mar-2015Source: Breeze-Eastern
Breeze-Eastern Corporation (NYSE MKT: BZC), the aerospace industry’s only dedicated hoist and winch specialist, today announced the milestone delivery of more than 1,000 BL-29900 rescue hoist systems. “Building and delivering these 1,000 hoists is a point of pride for our team,” said President and CEO Brad Pedersen. “This milestone is a powerful reminder that our... Read more
24-Mar-2015Source: ABC News
The most sophisticated search and rescue helicopter in Australia has been unveiled in one of the most remote corners of the country. See Full Story... Read more
23-Mar-2015Source: RCAF
Mass casualties litter the rigid terrain in a remote location on northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Two hikers lie injured in a mountainous region inaccessible by road. And a small multi-engine aircraft is still missing along the coast of mainland British Columbia, the next of kin anxious for positive news of its location. These are... Read more
20-Mar-2015Source: The Telegram
A local safety company and Memorial University are looking for research subjects to determine how much force is needed to open a Sikorsky S92 helicopter push-out exit window while underwater. See Full Story... Read more
18-Mar-2015Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland announced today it has signed a contract with Badan SAR Nasional (Basarnas), the national search and rescue agency of the Republic of Indonesia, for an AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter equipped for SAR operations. The contract also includes training for aircrew and technicians as well as an initial support package. The aircraft will be... Read more
18-Mar-2015Source: Bristow
The launch of the Inverness civilian UK search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service was marked today (Tuesday 17 March) in a ceremony held at the new SAR base at Inverness Airport. Bristow Helicopters Ltd, a UK limited company, was awarded the ten year UK SAR contract by the Department for Transport in March 2013 and... Read more
17-Mar-2015Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland celebrated the official opening of its new Regional Supply Centre in Aberdeen, Scotland on March 13th. The opening ceremony was held in the presence of local dignitaries and representatives from major operators and industry. Located close to Aberdeen Airport, the new facility has been operational 24/7 since January this year delivering spare parts to... Read more
13-Mar-2015
Crashed in waters off Gageodo Island, while trying to land near a seawall to carry out a mission to transport an emergency patient to an inland hospital. The accident left one dead and three others aboard the helicopter missing.... Read more
