Two of the four Sikorsky S-92s that will be operated by Bristow Helicopters for the UK's Gap Search and Rescue requirement have arrived in Scotland ahead of their deployment later this year.

Training activities using the new rotorcraft (G-MCGA and G-MCGB) have commenced from Inverness airport, says the operator. Two helicopters will be based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Isles and the other pair will operate from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.

Bristow coastguard S-92 

 Bristow Group

Bristow says the S-92s are the first type in Europe to be certificated for use with night vision goggles, which have never previously been used on a commercial search and rescue contract.

Simon Tye, SAR commercial manager for Bristow says: "The technology is essential when responding to night time incidents, particularly in northern Scotland where winter days are short and operations can extend into the hours of darkness."

Bristow will begin operations under Gap SAR from Sumburgh on 1 June and from Stornoway on 1 July 2013.

Source: Flight International