Rescue vehicle

News

AirKnight has announced details of its technical solution for the UK’s Search and Rescue Helicopter (SAR-H) service using Eurocopter’s EC225.

The consortium, consisting of VT Group, British International Helicopters (BIH) and Lockheed Martin, believes that its choice of aircraft combined with technical upgrades will provide the UK with a flexible SAR-H capability for the next 30 years.

Bid director, Tom Gordon, said: ‘Our vision is that this service will cater for the changing needs of the UK. The EC225 is certainly designed for the rigours of search and rescue. The helicopter entered service in 2005 and currently has more than 30,000 flight hours.’

The EC225 is the latest member of the Super Puma family of helicopters. According to the group, it can carry more than 12 casualties, fly for 500 miles without refuelling and claims to offer limited downwash compared to larger helicopters.

Additional upgrades include a four-axis flight control system, back-up for dual channel failure, larger cabin space and a de-icing system for flight in continuous icing conditions.

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