Bristow Helicopters has taken delivery of the first new Sikorsky S-92 destined to be operated on the UK’s Long SAR contract.

Running from April 2015, the 10-year deal will see the operator take over all search and rescue services from the nation’s armed services.

A total of 11 S-92s will be used on the contract – 10 operational helicopters and a further example in reserve.

First Bristow SAR S-92

Sikorsky

“We are very excited to receive the first aircraft from Sikorsky for our UK search and rescue fleet,” says Jonathan Baliff, president and chief executive of parent company Bristow Group.

The operator will additionally use 11 AgustaWestland AW189s on the contract, with the first two aircraft currently undergoing completion at the manufacturer’s Yeovil, UK site.

This month also marks the 10-year anniversary of the initial delivery of the S-92 which was handed over on 27 September 2004. Since then the S-92 fleet has accumulated more than 700,000h including 21,000h on SAR operations, says Sikorsky.

Source: FlightGlobal.com

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