New SAR Aircraft??
 

Just had a look at the Sea King 'crash' thread, which as far as i can see implies that the tail rotor 'fell' off!? If this is the case who or what is responsible and is it not time to consider New SAR aircraft anyway!? Forinstance, would the new Merlin aircraft not be suitable for the UK SAR role? Augusta Westland (predictably!) seem to think so!!

http://www.agustawestland.com/produc...p?id_product=7

Is it not time to consider New SAR aircraft anyway ?

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/De...eNextStage.htm

I'm sure it would be a very capable £100M+ SAR asset, but at a tenth(?) of the cost perhaps a bigger fleet of C/S/HH-60s (or whatever) would be better.

Ok, got me FJ, but with regard to the Merlins suitability for the role, would it be an option, or are there more suitable Aircraft, such as this in use with the US Coastguard (if still in production?)

http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/images/HH-60.jpg

I thought the contractor had already decided on the S92

New SAR aircraft
 

Yet again the old chestnut. The Blackhawk and its versions for SAR. Just because the septics use it does not mean we have to. Pilots might like it but having flown in the cabin of the Jayhawk and spent several years on the 412 in the Middle East my comment is the cabin is too small and to low. For SAR you need a S-61/S-92/Sea King size cabin that the rearcrew can stand up in and not do there back and knees in trying to bring a stretcher onboard. Also plenty of room to put in all the rescue and medical kit. Even the Super Puma is to cramped with all its kit in and the crew doubled over.

Certainly a new aircraft is needed for SAR. The Sea King is a good cab but its time is coming to an end. Lets get the choice right but forget about the BlackHawk family.

If the fleet remand military, yes Merlin would be suitable (Common fleet etc). However it’s more likely to be a S-92 on G-Plate operated by Bristows

I'd like to see Merlin in the Role but allegedley the down draft is to much, its to loud, its unreliable oh yes and its not cougar (all the above have been quoted to me by support helcopter pilots as to why we shouldn't have merlin) and according to the Rockapes you can't operate troops out of it because the ramps to steep and is slippery in wet weather.

I take it then that the Griffin HAR2 would not be considered for such a role? (please forgive my questioning, I am not Aircrew but I am applying for NCA and find it an interesting subject):8

If one is to dream...why not include the Chinook and the Sea Stallion (CH-53D or E) with AAR capability and plenty of standup room, range, and lift ability.

What value is a SAR aircraft without AAR capability....oh, I forget....no Hercs to do the Fueling part.

Griffin would probably be the cheapest option having the aircraft military run but civilian registered. However it doesn't have the range or the cabin space to be a suitable platform.

I thought all SAR Boys are off to be civies in the near future anyway??

'Fly Friendly' :)

Shockingly unreliable. It can only manage ~90% reliability in theatre. The problem is Wastelands/IPT not providing the spares in an efficient manner when they are actually required.

Sort the spares / log chain out and you'll be fine.

Wiretensioner - you're not the winch-weight who made an interesting Faux Pas during filming for "Jim'll Fix it" by any chance?

By the way, my vote goes to S-92 - Merlin's too bumpy in the hills on a windy day apparently.

or could get to the front of the line for a new -53K...

Merlin too loud? It's the quietest cab I've ever flown in.

And unreliable? It's been the most reliable asset we've had in Iraq.

It is expensive, and price may well rule it out for UK SAR, but it sounds as though it's the US choice for their CSAR requirement, though politics are likely to result in an MH-47G derivative being procured.

Stratia, you advise us that your knowledge of the Merlin is based in "apparent" information.

Is your recommendation for the S-92 based on a similar depth of experience? :ugh:

Boss-eyed old chap, I used the word "apparently" because that's what the Merlin pilot (also, like me, an experienced sar-boy) told me after flying in the Cairngorms on a windy day - I wasn't there, but I've no reason to doubt him. Now then, back in yer box....

Not Again!
 

Here we go again! Ok, I've bitten.

Griffin - too small and very limited night capability

Sea King - loved it but time to go [and any similar vintage cabs]

HH 60 - I don't think so, thats soooo last century.

53's - that's the century before isn't it? OK OK I like them too but its old ...

Merlin - doing very well from what I hear but ..... not sure you will get a contractor to buy them

S92 - already selected for interim SAR

AW 139 - now your really talking for the close in work [well out to almost the Sea King range actually]

In the last 2 the rear crew can stand up! Now thats a novel idea! They are quiet and can be operated on or off the mil or civ register by whoever wins the follow on contract. Oh, and the military chaps who remain in SAR will be able to fly them - re-read the press releases it only said provision not fully contractorised. Do try to keep up!

Almost spot on me old fruit!
But it will be operated by CHC
:)

"S-92 on G-Plate operated by Bristows"

That'll be why CHC just got the SAR contract for Stornoway, Sumburgh, Portland and Lee, with S-92s and AW139s! Or why Bristow have just signed for an undisclosed number of S-92s. Time will tell. I hope SKY sort out their avionics by then, though!:confused: