A 139 as a SAR Helicopter
Having read the post asking for information about the A139 I can tell you what I know about it from a friend in Norway.
Apparently they're having major problems with the C of G of the aircraft. For example if you have full fuel in the aircraft and only to pilots up front then the aircraft is outside its C of G limits and ballast has to be used.
Also with certain passenger, fuel and baggage configurations the aircraft can also be outside its C of G and under these circumstances baggage has to be stowed on the seats to address the problem.
The lateral C of G is also a problem and so if a winch is fitted to the aircraft then prolems may arise there. Perhaps the solution may be a winch either side!! What a man on the winch with a survivor will do that I know not.
The payload has not been as advertised either and a S61 was brought in to cover for it. Not sure if it is still there.