SARREMF,
Definitely no 'send three and fourpence' going on. Sea King ROA approx 240nm, S-92 approx 205nm without aux tanks. Here is an extract from the MCA press release regarding intro of the S-92:
Richard Parkes, Director of Technical Services who represented the MCA at the signing ceremony today said
The MCA are delighted to be able to receive these new Sikorsky aircraft today as part of our strategy of utilising differing aircraft specifically for the varying coastline we enjoy in the United Kingdom. These new aircraft will be able to fly more quickly, and will be able to fly farther to people in distress at sea than those currently in use.
These new aircraft have been specifically kitted with various items of advanced technical equipment, including an on board automatic identification system (AIS), specifically designed for the challenges of search and rescue in the 21st Century. The S92s are in use on a variety of commercial duties around the world, proving their operational effectiveness and reliability, although this is a world first in being configured entirely for search and rescue.
We look forward to working with CHC who are fulfilling this key role and taking search and rescue work into a new era, and can bring their wealth of experience of search and rescue and emergency helicopter services in Ireland, Africa, Australia and Norway to the UK.
Notes to Editors
The aircraft are fitted with two internal auxiliary fuel tanks of 210 gallons each.
Fitted SAR options include:
- an improved AFCS with auto-hover capability,
- Forward looking infra red (FLIR)
- dual rescue hoist,
- full sliding-door
- bubble window,
- cargo hook,
- search-light
- loud hailer.
- The cabin can be arranged for installing triple medical litter kit, one or two aux fuel tanks, folding utility seats and ample storage. The designated operator console provides search data including FLIR and enhancing crew coordination on SAR missions.
As ever, the devil is in the detail. The S-92 can go further with aux tanks but this appears to be impractical at short notice ie, the sort of short notice that SAR helos are on. Due you think we will get a press release from the MCA that will clear up the confusion?