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Sikorsky completes first S-92 for Irish Coast Guard
Sikorsky is getting ready to deliver the first new-build SAR S-92 to the Irish Coast Guard.
The aircraft, which will eventually be based at Shannon will provide coverage for deep Atlantic Ocean missions, service Ireland’s offshore islands and provide rescue cover from Cork to Galway on the country’s West coast.
The purchase of the aircraft, which will be operated for the Coast Guard by CHC, was formalised at the Sikorsky facility at Coatesville, Pa on 21 December.
Chris Reynolds, director of the Irish Coast Guard said: 'We selected CHC and the Sikorsky S-92 as our preferred combination after an intense tender and selection process, and I am very happy that the Coast Guard will operate what I consider to be the leading SAR helicopter in the world.'
A further four S-92s will join the Irish Coast Guard become operational out of Sligo, Waterford and Dublin airports over time.
CHC currently provides 24/7 search and rescue helicopter service for the Irish Coast Guard using six S-61 SAR helicopters based at Dublin, Shannon, Waterford and Sligo.
Sikorsky has delivered 151 S-92 aircraft to operators worldwide since 2004. Of those aircraft, 25 are engaged in SAR operations. The 151-aircraft fleet has accumulated a total of 370,000 flight hours. The company says that aircraft availability stands at 95%.
SAR-equipped S-92s are fitted with automated flight control system that enables the pilot to fly pre-programmed search patterns and perform delicate hover manoeuvres; a wireless intercom allowing a rescue swimmer to communicate with the crew; radio transceivers to communicate with ships, police and other emergency rescue services; a weather radar; a forward looking infrared sensor; and a digital video system to record rescues.
The aircraft also comes with a dual rescue hoist, single or dual 220-gallon internal auxiliary fuel tanks, three litters, and a Spectrolab rescue searchlight.
Four similarly equipped aircraft are operated by CHC on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency from two bases in Scotland.
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